CJ McCollum wants the record straight: the Atlanta Hawks had nothing to do with the scheduling mess that briefly turned the Atlanta Dream’s WNBA Finals run into a citywide talking point.
With criticism swirling around State Farm Arena and the Dream’s home-game setup, McCollum stepped in on October 15, 2026 and pushed back on the idea that the Hawks were responsible for the headache.
“I feel like we got some false blame, like we had something to do with the scheduling,” said the Hawks guard. “So I just want to clarify (that) we are merely just players here in this environment, and I would like to actually go to the games.”
He added that the overlapping dates would have been easier to manage if the Finals games were not landing on the Hawks’ own game day. “I mean, it would be nice if it was on a different day, not on our actual game day, but happy for their success.”
The scheduling issue started when the Dream were set to host their Finals games at Gateway Center Arena at College Park, a building that holds only 3,500 fans. Because of prior commitments at the venue - including a SOMBR concert and the Hawks’ home opener - the Dream were unable to shift into State Farm Arena, which seats almost 17,000.
That sparked plenty of frustration online, especially after the Hawks posted a congratulatory graphic for the Dream’s Finals berth that also included Hawks players Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson with Dream stars. The reaction was immediate.
Fans pushed back in the comments, writing, “Get out the graphic; this is not a group project” and “Let the women enjoy their shine.”
McCollum’s answer wasn’t just about defending the Hawks. He also made it clear he’s pulling for the Dream, and for Angel Reese in particular. “Obviously, the Atlanta team changed when the Queen of the South got here, so happy for her, happy to see them doing well, happy to see the team in the city kind of surrounding them.”
That line came after a reporter noted the nickname during an October 16, 2026 conversation, when McCollum praised the team and addressed the arena situation from the players’ perspective. A post from JJ also noted, “Obviously, the Atlanta team changed when the Queen of the South got here.”
Reese’s run has been years in the making, at least according to her own social media. Exactly 364 days before Atlanta locked up its Finals spot, she posted “manifesting the finals.”
Now the Dream have reached that stage for the first time in Reese’s career, and she did it after joining Atlanta in April 2026. She was emotional after the semifinals clincher, and the numbers behind the sweep backed up the moment.
Atlanta swept the New York Liberty in the semifinals, with Reese averaging 20.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in the 3-0 series win. In Game Three, she led the Dream with 22 points and nine rebounds in the 85-83 victory. Across the final two games of the sweep, she totaled 45 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks.
McCollum closed by backing Atlanta’s title hopes and noting the league’s rise. “They’re playing really well, and I think they have a really good chance of winning a championship. And I think the W has continued to grow and expand, and I think they’re starting to get the respect and coverage that they deserve, so happy for them.”
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For Atlanta, it is another reminder of how these back-end roster moves work this time of year. Gordon and Wrightsell both bring G League experience, and the likely Exhibit 10 structure gives teams a way to keep tabs on developmental guards without committing a standard roster spot, a tactic the Rockets, Jazz and Nets have also used as they sort through preseason decisions. [Read more 🡒]
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So far, the shooting numbers have been rough, and the concern is less about one bad stretch than what it could mean for spacing if it lingers. The Hawks already have to account for other players who can make life crowded offensively, so Newells ability to straighten out his three-point touch may end up shaping how usable those combinations are once the games count. [Read more 🡒]
Hawks Opening Night Lineup Comes With One Big Offensive Concern
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Still, the bigger question is where the half-court scoring comes from when the game slows down and the Hawks need someone to manufacture a good shot. McCollum brings proven offensive skill, but the balance of the lineup leans heavily toward defense and connective play, which is why the opening-night mix may not be the same one Atlanta leans on later. Depending on how things develop, there could be room for changes down the road, including a different look with Lu Dort in the first unit or Aaron Wiggins in closing lineups. [Read more 🡒]