Angel Reese admits she was 'playing like s---' before helping Dream build halftime lead over Fever

Angel Reese was critical of how she started her Atlanta Dream contest against the Indiana Fever on Sunday night, and let everyone know about it at halftime.

The Dream ended the first two quarters with a four-point lead, but Reese was 0-of-6 from the field to start the game and missed several shots from inside the paint.

But she was pivotal in the Dream putting together a 17-4 run to close out the first half.

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Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream prepares to shoot a free throw against the Indiana Fever during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on Aug. 16, 2026, in Atlanta, Ga. (Getty Images)

During a halftime interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, Reese was quite candid discussing the start she had.

"I was playing like s--- in the beginning, but it’s a game of runs," she said. "You’ve got to put that in your back pocket just because you know you have teammates that have your back. [Allisha Gray], Madina [Okot], [Rhyne Howard] – they’re carrying us right now."

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Gray was the Dream’s leading scorer against Caitlin Clark and the Fever, and she continued that play with 21 points as of the third quarter. Okot also dropped six points off the bench with six rebounds, one steal and one block as well.

"Just playing together, playing collectively and let our defense speak for itself."

Reporter Holly Rowe speaks with Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream during the game against the Indiana Fever on Aug. 16, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. (NBAE)

Reese finished the first half with seven points on 3-of-10 shooting and nine rebounds.

Rowe asked what changed for Reese after the cold start.

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"Taking my time. Woosah. And just trusting my work," Reese said.

Reese, who made her third All-Star team in her third WNBA season this year, has been a key piece for the 21-12 Dream in 2026. She has averaged a career-high 15.6 points with 12.0 rebounds per game in 32 contests this year coming into this contest.

Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream plays defense against the Indiana Fever on Aug. 16, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. (NBAE)

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The Dream and Fever are battling for first place in the East, as whoever wins this game will take that spot atop the rest for the time being.

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