Angel Reese And Naz Hillmon Building Strong Frontcourt Chemistry In Dream Surge

The Atlanta Dream have found their rhythm at the right time, putting together a four-game winning streak that has shown the potential of a team still discovering its identity. With talent across the roster, Atlanta entered the season with high expectations, but the biggest improvement has come from the way its players have begun working together.

A major part of that progress has come from the frontcourt, where Angel Reese and Naz Hillmon have stepped into larger roles. With Brionna Jones still recovering from a meniscus injury, the Dream have relied heavily on the two forwards to provide consistency, energy, and production near the basket.

Through the first 16 games of the season, Reese and Hillmon have developed a better understanding of how to play alongside one another. Their ability to create space, move without the ball, and support each other defensively has helped Atlanta become one of the more difficult teams to slow down.

Head coach Karl Smesko has noticed the connection between the two players, praising the way they communicate and complement each other’s strengths. Their developing partnership has become one of the key reasons behind Atlanta’s recent success.

1. Growing Connection In The Paint

Smesko explained that Reese and Hillmon have built chemistry by understanding how each player can create opportunities for the other. Their awareness as a frontcourt duo has allowed the Dream to maintain offensive flow even when facing tough defensive matchups. The two bigs have shown the ability to work together through different actions, including post opportunities, cuts, and high-low passing situations. Instead of competing for the same space, they have learned how to make each other more effective. Reese has provided Atlanta with consistent rebounding, physicality, and interior presence throughout the season. Her ability to control the glass and create second-chance opportunities has given the Dream another advantage on both ends of the court. Hillmon, meanwhile, has continued developing into a dependable contributor. After overcoming early-season challenges, she has become more comfortable within the team’s system and has started showing the impact that made her successful in previous seasons.

2. Hillmon’s Improved Confidence

Hillmon’s recent improvement has been especially important for Atlanta. Smesko noted that her early struggles were connected to recovering from a shoulder issue that affected her shooting rhythm and limited her preparation before the season. As Hillmon regained confidence, her overall performance began to improve. Her ability to stretch the floor became a valuable part of the Dream’s offensive approach, giving Atlanta more flexibility with its lineup. Adding a reliable three-point shot was not an easy adjustment for Hillmon. She explained that adapting to a system that encouraged her to shoot from outside required a mental shift and repeated practice to build confidence. The forward said learning where to position herself and trusting those opportunities were important steps in her development. Over time, those repetitions helped her become more comfortable taking shots she previously avoided.

3. A Stronger Future For Atlanta

The Dream’s frontcourt has continued to evolve as the season progresses. Reese has also been working to expand her offensive game, including improving her three-point shooting, which could make Atlanta even more difficult to defend. If Reese becomes a consistent outside threat, it would create additional space for both herself and her teammates. Combined with Hillmon’s improved shooting ability, Atlanta could have multiple ways to attack opponents. The eventual return of Brionna Jones could make the frontcourt even deeper. Adding another experienced interior presence would give the Dream more options and create difficult decisions for opposing defenses. For now, Atlanta is focused on maintaining its momentum. The growth of Reese and Hillmon’s partnership has already become a major factor in the team’s success, and their continued development could determine how far the Dream can go this season.