DHJ Quick Take: The Battle for the Boards
- Containing the “Double-Double Queen”: After Angel Reese opened her Dream tenure with 14 rebounds, Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard are tasked with neutralizing her second-chance energy. Smith’s focus on “limiting Reese on the glass” is the game’s swing factor; if Dallas can prevent Reese from generating extra possessions, the Dream’s perimeter-heavy attack loses its safety net.
- The Shepard-Bueckers Connection: Jessica Shepard’s playmaking was the “X-factor” in the opener, and her early pick-and-roll chemistry with Paige Bueckers is already ahead of schedule. Shepard acts as a high-post release valve, allowing Bueckers to navigate aggressive ball pressure without stalling the offense.
- Foul Discipline is Paramount: After a whistle-heavy opener in Indy, the Wings must adjust to the “early-season officiating” standard. Smith noted that building defensive chemistry requires staying on the floor by avoiding foul trouble.
- Defending the Arc: Atlanta perimeter firepower presents a challenge with Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Naz Hillmon among 3-point threats to account for. Dallas understands there is a lot of firepower to account for beyond what goes on in the paint.
- Sold-Out Energy: The 7,000-seat College Park Center is sold out for the home opener. For a team coming off a 107-point performance, the energy in Arlington will be leveraged to push the pace, provided the Wings can secure the initial defensive rebound.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings open the home portion of their 2026 schedule Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT against the Atlanta Dream at a sold-out College Park Center, coming off a 107-104 road win over the Indiana Fever in their season opener.
Ahead of tip-off, Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard met with reporters at shootaround to preview the matchup against an Atlanta roster that returns All-Stars Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, and added Angel Reese in an offseason trade with the Chicago Sky. Brionna Jones is listed as out with a right knee injury. Reese opened her Dream tenure with her 50th career double-double, posting 11 points and 14 rebounds in a 91-90 win over the Minnesota Lynx.
Smith addressed the team approach to limiting Reese on the glass, the Wings’ defensive ceiling as the group continues to build chemistry, the adjustment to early-season officiating after Dallas dealt with foul trouble in the opener, and the playmaking impact Shepard provided in the win over Indiana.
Shepard previewed the challenge of defending Atlanta’s perimeter-heavy attack, the importance of taking away Reese’s energy plays and second-chance opportunities, and how the Wings plan to handle the Dream’s ball pressure. She also detailed the early development of her pick-and-roll chemistry with reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers.
Full interviews below.
Alanna Smith
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Jessica Shepard
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