Angel Reese did not have as much time in the spotlight with Team USA as she usually does with the Atlanta Dream, but that didn’t diminish her impact on the hardwood. Besides being proficient on both ends of the court, her defensive displays helped Team USA reach the final. Despite her limited time on the court against France, Reese played a crucial role in blunting France’s offense and allowing her team to mount the comeback in the second half.
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While Reese recorded only three points in just about nine minutes on the court, she covered all areas in defense when Team USA was not in possession, so much so that FIBA itself posted a highlight of Reese’s gritty playstyle while fans demanded more respect.
“Angel Reese is making life hell on defense, but that’s nothing new,” FIBA’s official handle wrote on X.
With 13 seconds remaining in the first half, Team USA trailed France 40-45 as Angel Reese guarded Pauline Astier just outside the arc. Astier tried to dribble her way out of Reese’s lane, but was unsuccessful as the Dream star followed every move through the perimeter until Astier eventually put the ball out of bounds.
Watching Reese’s incredible resiliency to limit France before the first half, fans on social media sang praises for the World Cup debutante.
“This was the moment things switched for the USA. Say thank you, Angel Reese, for another gold,” one fan stated.
Following a tight second quarter that Team USA won 26-25, the momentum completely shifted towards the Stars and Stripes squad as Team USA led France 30-12 in the next quarter. This fan believes that Reese’s eagerness to win the ball back was the catalyst for a sensational comeback.
“With that wingspan, she is disruptive. Great defense, Angel!”
The Dream forward’s wingspan is estimated to be almost 6’6″, which is one of the reasons Reese is known as the rebounding queen. It also helps Reese to be dominant in the paint when it comes to defensive measures.
“As a CC fan, give Angel Reese that DPOY !”
Despite the long-running rivalry between Clark and Reese fans, this particular fan believed Reese is the perfect candidate to win Defensive Player of the Year. With Reese recording 12.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game for the Dream this season, this Caitlin Clark fan’s wish might not be far off.
“TOLD Y’ALL ANGEL LOCKING THAT S*** UP. KARA NEED TO KEEP HER IN THE GAME.”
However, that was not the case. Throughout the tournament, Lawson preferred the veterans to have more game time. Reese (8:54) was one of the players with the lowest minutes on the floor, alongside Paige Bueckers (2:38), Sonia Citron (1:45), and Kiki Iriafen (1:45).
Meanwhile, one Team USA fan was so mesmerized by Reese’s defensive efforts that they immediately wanted her jersey to commemorate the Dream star.
“I gotta get me an Angel Reese jersey.”
In the end, Team USA put on a clinic, as Angel Reese, alongside Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen, won the gold medal in her debut FIBA Women’s World Cup.