Rhyne Howard pokes fun at new Atlanta Dream teammate Angel Reese's defense

The two stars have a history of on-court rivalry, but will now be teammates in Atlanta.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or match, with the players' movements and actions broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the intensity and energy of the competition.The competitive rivalry between Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese takes on a new dynamic as the two stars become teammates on the Atlanta Dream.Atlanta Today

Atlanta Dream star Rhyne Howard jokingly commented that she has scored 30 points against her new teammate Angel Reese whenever they have faced off in the past. The lighthearted exchange between the two players, who are known for their competitive rivalry, went viral on social media. Reese was recently traded to the Dream, where she is expected to play a major role alongside Howard in the team's frontcourt.

Why it matters

The trade of Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream pairs two of the WNBA's top young stars on the same team, creating an intriguing new dynamic after years of on-court rivalry. Their competitive history and Howard's playful jab at Reese's defense highlights the intensity the two players bring, which the Dream hope will translate into success on the court as they look to take a step forward this season.

The details

In a lighthearted video clip shared on X, Rhyne Howard was asked about facing off against her new Atlanta Dream teammate Angel Reese. Howard did not hold back, joking that she has scored around 30 points against Reese whenever they have played each other in the past. Reese's stunned reaction to the comment made the exchange go viral on social media. The two players have established themselves as two of the league's top young talents, known for their physical, high-intensity style of play. Reese's addition to the Dream gives the team a formidable frontcourt duo alongside Howard, who is one of the league's premier scoring threats on the perimeter.

  • The video clip featuring Howard's comment was shared on X on April 18, 2026.

The players

Rhyne Howard

A star player for the Atlanta Dream, known for her scoring ability and competitive edge.

Angel Reese

A highly touted young forward who was recently traded to the Atlanta Dream, known for her rebounding dominance, physical presence, and defensive activity.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'I mean, any time Angel's been on the other side of the court, I think I've had about 30,'”

— Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream player

What’s next

The Atlanta Dream will look to integrate Angel Reese into their lineup alongside Rhyne Howard, as the team aims to take a step forward in the 2026 WNBA season.

The takeaway

The trade of Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream has created an intriguing new partnership between two of the WNBA's top young stars, Rhyne Howard and Reese. Their competitive history and Howard's playful jab at Reese's defense highlights the intensity the two players bring, which the Dream hope will translate into success on the court as they look to improve this season.