Angel Reese Praises Rhyne Howard as “MVP-Caliber” After Dream Win

The Atlanta Dream continued their strong start to the season with a convincing win over the Dallas Wings, a game defined by the standout performance of guard Rhyne Howard, who delivered across the board with scoring, playmaking, and defensive impact.

Howard finished the night with 25 points, eight assists, and four steals, setting the tone early and maintaining control on both ends of the floor. Her two-way performance proved pivotal in helping Atlanta secure its third victory of the season.

New teammate Angel Reese, who has competed against Howard in previous seasons, now finds herself alongside the dynamic guard and quickly becoming one of her strongest public supporters.

Following the win, Reese offered high praise for Howard’s influence on the team, emphasizing both her skill level and leadership presence as key factors in Atlanta’s early-season progress.

1. Reese Highlights Two-Way Impact

Reese described Howard as a player who significantly simplifies the game for her teammates, pointing to her ability to score at all three levels as well as her defensive versatility. That combination, she noted, allows Atlanta to operate with greater flexibility on both ends. She also emphasized Howard’s intensity, suggesting that her approach to every possession raises the overall standard of the team. According to Reese, that consistency helps establish a competitive tone throughout games. Beyond individual production, Reese credited Howard with being a stabilizing presence who elevates those around her. Her leadership, in Reese’s view, plays a direct role in the Dream’s cohesion. Reese ultimately framed Howard as both an All-Star-level contributor and someone deserving of even greater recognition across the league.

2. Coaching Staff Sees Continued Growth

Head coach Karl Smesko also praised Howard’s performance, highlighting her all-around contribution in the win over Dallas. He pointed to her execution on both offense and defense as a model for consistency. Smesko noted that Howard’s development has been visible since training camp, where her approach and focus appeared noticeably refined. That progression, he suggested, is now translating into game production. He described Friday’s outing as one of her most complete performances of the season, expressing confidence that she is moving toward an even higher level of play. The coaching staff has been encouraged by her trajectory. The Dream view Howard’s growth as central to their overall improvement, with her performance serving as a benchmark for team success.

3. Dream’s Outlook Built Around Howard

Atlanta’s early-season success has reinforced Howard’s importance to the team’s identity, as her production continues to set the tone on a nightly basis. Her ability to impact multiple facets of the game gives the Dream a reliable foundation. With Reese joining the roster and additional talent developing around her, Atlanta is beginning to build a more balanced supporting cast. However, Howard remains the focal point of the team’s offensive and defensive structure. Coaches and teammates alike have emphasized the expectation that she will maintain a high standard each game, both as a scorer and as a leader. That consistency is seen as essential for sustained success. As the season progresses, the Dream’s ceiling is widely believed to depend heavily on Howard’s continued elite-level play and her ability to anchor the team in key moments.