Angel Reese entered the WNBA Finals with plenty to prove. Three games later, the Atlanta Dream star has helped put her team in position to capture a championship.
After Atlanta dropped Game 1 to the Golden State Valkyries, Reese responded with one of the biggest performances of her career. She scored 30 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in Game 2, helping the Dream even the series.
Then, in Game 3, Atlanta took control with a commanding 97-71 victory at State Farm Arena. Reese recorded another double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds as the Dream seized a 2-1 series lead.
The turnaround has been significant. Reese went scoreless in the second half of the opening loss, prompting questions about her offensive involvement in the biggest moments.
Rather than allowing that performance to define her Finals debut, however, she responded with consecutive statement performances.
Her impact extends beyond scoring. Reese’s rebounding, physicality and ability to create second-chance opportunities make her a difficult matchup for Golden State.
Meanwhile, Atlanta has found another gear as the series shifts toward its next pivotal game. The Dream are now two wins away from their first WNBA championship.
Reese still has work to do, and the Valkyries will have opportunities to respond. Nevertheless, her latest performances have changed the conversation surrounding her Finals run.
The criticism came quickly after Game 1. Now, Reese is giving Atlanta exactly what it needs when the stakes are highest.
