The first WNBA matchup between Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese will draw several eyes. Ahead of Friday’s clash between the Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream, Bueckers spoke about Reese’s impact, praising the Sky forward’s energy and presence on the floor.

In a clip shared on X recently, when asked how Angel Reese impacts the game, Paige Bueckers praised her two-way presence, saying, “On both ends of the floor. Just a paint presence, but defensively, she can switch 1 through 5.”

"Offensively, she is a great screener, great roller, great passer, can finish around the rim... And just her energy is contagious since she brings confidence to her teammates," the Dallas star guard added.

Energy might be Chi Barbie’s biggest specialty because she already made a big impact in Atlanta’s first game against the Minnesota Lynx. She finished with 11 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists, including the game-winning block that sealed the win for the Dream.

Rim protection is exactly why the Dream wanted Angel Reese in the first place. With Reese on the floor, the Minnesota Lynx were held to 51.9% on FG. But the moment she went to the bench, Minnesota attacked Atlanta’s defense much more comfortably and shot 59.4%.

Angel Reese has already proven she can score consistently in the WNBA, averaging 14.1 points per game and leading the league with 23 double-doubles last season.

Reese made WNBA history against the Minnesota Lynx by recording her 50th career double-double in just 65 games, the fastest ever.

Performances like that are exactly why the Atlanta Dream believes Angel Reese can help take the team to the next level this season.

Angel Reese Gives Atlanta Dream New Energy

Last season was one of the best in Atlanta Dream history, as the team won a franchise-record 30 games. General manager Dan Padover continues to make aggressive roster moves to improve the squad.

The Atlanta Dream added Brittney Griner in 2025 for leadership and experience, and now they have brought in Angel Reese, who could change the direction of this Atlanta team completely.

After the trade, Allisha Gray was all praise for Reese, per ESPN.

"She [Reese] can defend the ball, get the ball and take it the full 94 feet. She can score in transition and hit the 15-foot short jump. There is so much to her game... adding her to this team, it’s what we were missing.”

Gray echoed Bueckers' statement about Reese being a weapon on both sides of the court.

With no injury concerns reported so far, all eyes will be on how Angel Reese performs when the Atlanta Dream face the Dallas Wings at College Park Center against star guards like Arike Ogunbowale, Paige Bueckers, and Alysha Clark.

Do you think Angel Reese and Co. can overcome a fully stacked Dallas Wings on Friday? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Surjo Ray