Angel Reese returned to Chicago on Wednesday, suiting up for the Atlanta Dream in a preseason victory against the team that drafted her. Reese, like most of the starters, only played the first half in the 87-78 win over the Sky. The forward recorded 8 points and 7 rebounds in 13 minutes of action, marking her first appearance since a high-profile trade earlier this month.

The matchup at Wintrust Arena was a homecoming for the former LSU star, who spent her first two professional seasons with the Sky. Despite a complicated exit from the franchise following a difficult 2025 season, she emphasized that there was no lingering animosity as she stepped onto her former home court in a different uniform.

"Coming back to a familiar place feels great," the two-time All-Star told reporters during a morning shootaround. "I’m grateful for my time here in Chicago... but I’m just happy to start this new journey."

The Dream, coming off a franchise-best 30-14 season in 2025, showcased the depth that attracted the forward to the roster. Atlanta utilized a 16-0 second-quarter run to build a 20-point lead, with the new addition's presence in the paint helping solidify the advantage. Team centerpiece Rhyne Howard led the perimeter attack with three first-half 3-pointers, while the team’s core of Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Brionna Jones remained intact through recent re-signings.

The former national champion noted that the Atlanta locker room's hunger was a primary factor in her desire to join the team. She expressed that she admired the program's success last year from a distance before joining the squad.

"There’s no ceiling," she said regarding the Dream's potential. "I thought I can help them in ways, and they can help me in ways."

Atlanta maintained the lead throughout the contest, securing the win in their first exhibition of the year.