Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko loves what he sees from prized trade acquisition Angel Reese.
The Dream played their first preseason game on Wednesday against Reese's former team, the Chicago Sky. Atlanta acquired Reese in a blockbuster deal, sending two first-round picks to Chicago.
She helped her new team earn an 87-78 victory in her Dream preseason debut. Reese played just 13 minutes, limited to the first half. But her impact was all over the stat sheet.
The two-time All-Star finished with eight points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists.
After the game, Smesko praised Reese's seamless adjustment in her very first game with the Dream.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
After the win, Smesko sat alongside Reese and Te-Hina Paopao to address reporters. He spoke candidly about Reese's immediate impact on the Dream.
"And as I said, Angel just had a huge impact. She was willing to shoot the three. She drove, she got offensive rebounds. I mean, she was, I don't know how many steals she got, but she had several steals."
At that point, Reese intervened. She held up three fingers, a nod to her three steals, drawing laughs from the room.
"OK, now I know. Now I know how many," Smesko added. "And deflections. I mean, she was making all kinds of defensive plays. She was on the boards. Just a great start for her as she kind of gets accustomed to our style of play. But she's been doing great."
Wintrust Arena welcomed Reese back with a standing ovation. The crowd rose to its feet as their former star took the floor in a different jersey.
The Sky played a tribute video during the game's first timeout, honoring Reese's two seasons in Chicago. She averaged 14.1 points and 12.9 rebounds across 64 games with the franchise.
The reception appeared to energize Reese. She led all Dream players in plus-minus, finishing at plus-14 without committing a single turnover.
Atlanta controlled the game from the opening tip. The Dream used a 16-0 second-quarter run to build a 20-point cushion and never looked back.
If Wednesday was any indication, Reese fits right in with the Dream.
