Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream face a must-win Game 2 after a disastrous fourth-quarter collapse against Golden State in the WNBA Finals.
The Atlanta Dream were supposed to make a statement in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Instead, they completely collapsed when it mattered most.
Now, all eyes are on Angel Reese.
Atlanta suffered a heartbreaking 68-64 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday night, blowing a late lead and scoring just eight points in the fourth quarter. The Dream shot an embarrassing 2-for-19 from the field in the final period, allowing Golden State to steal a game Atlanta had every opportunity to win.
Reese finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds, including an incredible 11-point first quarter. However, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year couldn’t maintain that offensive production throughout the game.
And that’s exactly what needs to change Monday night.
Reese was outstanding during Atlanta’s semifinal sweep of the New York Liberty, averaging over 20 points per game. If the Dream want to even this series, they need that aggressive version of Reese for all four quarters.
But the responsibility doesn’t fall entirely on her shoulders.
Allisha Gray scored 19 points in Game 1 but disappeared offensively in the fourth quarter. Rhyne Howard also needs to step up, especially against a Golden State defense that has now beaten Atlanta four consecutive times this season.
The concerning reality? Golden State might simply be Atlanta’s worst possible matchup.
The Valkyries have figured out how to slow down the Dream’s explosive offense, limit transition opportunities and force difficult shots in crucial moments.
Still, Atlanta was just minutes away from stealing Game 1 on the road.
Game 2 presents a massive opportunity to regain momentum before the series shifts to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4. A victory would completely change the outlook of the Finals.
But another loss would leave the Dream facing a dangerous 0-2 deficit against a team they haven’t beaten all season.
Angel Reese wanted the biggest stage in basketball. Now she has the opportunity to prove she belongs on it.
