The Atlanta Dream opened preseason with a strong win — but beyond the final score, this game told us a lot about roles, rotations, and roster battles.
Some players took full advantage of their opportunity.
Others? Still have work to do.
Here are the biggest winners and losers from the Dream’s first preseason game.
Winners:
Angel Reese
Angel Reese is the biggest winner — and it’s not even close.
When you look at:
- Coaching system
- Team structure
- Roster fit
It becomes clear why. Reese fits perfectly with what Atlanta is building.
She brings:
- Rebounding dominance
- Physicality
- Energy
- Interior scoring
But more importantly, she fits into a team that is getting better every day.
She’s not just producing — she’s elevating the identity of the team.
And that’s why she’s the biggest winner.
Isobel Borlase
There were real questions surrounding Isobel Borlase coming into this game.
- Can she handle WNBA speed?
- Will her game translate?
After this performance?
Those questions are answered.
Even on an off shooting night, she still had:
- 13 points
- 3 assists
But the stats don’t tell the full story.
She looked:
- Smooth
- Poised
- In control
She showcased her three-level scoring ability and playmaking.
And here’s the scary part:
She didn’t even play her best game.
If this is the floor, her ceiling is extremely high.
Sika Koné
Sika Koné made a strong statement.
She showed exactly why she belongs on this roster by doing all the little things:
- Rebounding
- Setting screens
- Playing defense
- Bringing energy
She may not fill up the stat sheet, but her impact is clear.
If there were any questions about her making the team…
They’re starting to disappear.
Sacha Washington
Sacha Washington made the most of her limited minutes.
She was:
- Efficient
- Physical
- Effective in the paint
Her size and skillset give her real value, especially as a developmental piece.
If the roster were set today?
She would be a strong candidate for one of those developmental spots.
And with the chance to learn behind Brionna Jones, her upside is real.
Losers
The Backup Wing Group (Overall)
If there’s one area that didn’t stand out — it’s the backup wing position.
The Dream are clearly trying to build depth here.
But in this game?
No one truly separated themselves.
That’s a problem — especially with roster cuts approaching.
Taylor Thierry
Taylor Thierry had an opportunity.
She got meaningful minutes.
And while her defensive effort was solid, offensively she struggled to make an impact.
At times, she looked:
- Out of rhythm
- Less involved
- Passive offensively
Because of that, it feels like she may have slipped slightly on the depth chart.
There’s even a growing case for players like Naz Hillmon to take more wing minutes.
Bella Fontleroy
Bella Fontleroy finds herself in a similar situation.
She didn’t do enough to stand out.
And at this stage of camp, that matters.
With limited roster spots, players need to:
- Flash
- Produce
- Separate
She still has time — but the next preseason game and practices will be critical.
Laila Phelia
Laila Phelia’s situation is a bit different.
It’s not just about her performance.
It’s about roster math.
With the emergence of:
- Isobel Borlase
- Indya Nivar
The guard room is getting crowded.
That makes her path to the roster much tougher.
She now faces an uphill battle — not just to perform, but to fit into a shrinking opportunity window.
Final Thoughts
Preseason is all about opportunity.
And in this first game, we saw:
- Players solidify roles
- Others create momentum
- And some fall behind in tight battles
The biggest takeaway?
This Dream team is deep.
And that means tough decisions are coming.
Because not everyone who can play…
Will make the team.
And with more preseason action ahead, the pressure is only going to increase. 🏀🔥