For years, Angel Reese has served as the favorite target for online detractors and highlight-clip cynics. In hostile “Ballhalla” she flipped the script completely, dropping a resounding 30 points and 16 rebounds to orchestrate a vital 79–65 win and leave no doubt about who acts as a catalyst for this Atlanta team. Reese felt she had let her team down after Game 1, and so came with an agenda of her own into the second game.
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“Yeah, I was hungry. I wanted one, and I think we let one slip away, and you can’t do that, especially on the road, where this is a good environment and a good team, and we all came together, and we’re pissed. We felt disappointed,” said Reese after the game.
By halftime, the Dream were already in the lead, but their third quarter specifically stood out as they outscored the Valkyries 21 to nine to cement their position.
“We felt embarrassed, and we didn’t like the outcome of that last game, and we didn’t want another one to let slip in. Like JC [Jordin Canada] said, I bring a lot of energy in the locker room,” she continued. “If it’s just a joke, if it’s just talking sh*t, like it’s just my energy, and I wanted to make sure I was ready and on my toes and whatever the team needed tonight, I was willing to do, and that’s just what the outcome was.”
In 34 minutes of action, Reese led all scorers and paired it with three assists, two blocks, and a steal. She was locked in all night, going 10-of-16 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line.
Allisha Gray contributed 18 points and five rebounds, while Jordin Canada almost had a triple-double, adding 13 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Atlanta consistently capitalized on Golden State’s miscues, turning 19 Valkyries turnovers into 24 points.
It was another game of misfiring shots from both teams. Atlanta managed to shoot just 33.9% from the field, while the Valkyries managed an FG% of just 34.3. This loss has certainly left Natalie Nakase searching for some answers.
Natalie Nakase Learning From Her Mentors
When asked by a WNBA reporter after the game whether she is seeking guidance from her mentors like Chris Paul and Armond Hill, who were courtside during the game, Nakase gave her honest take.
“You guys know I’m obsessive, and basketball is my passion. And so I have a lot of fire, and so patience is what Armond is saying, and I think the biggest thing Chris has been saying is to continue to instill confidence,” Nakase said.
Despite facing two losses in her playoff record this year, the coach has also added six wins to make it 6-2 now.
“There’s going to be some highs; there’s going to be some lows. Be there for the players for their lows, and then it’s okay,” she added. “This is what the Finals is about, this is what the Playoffs are about. It’s going to get sticky. It’s how do we, though, get really connected even more after losses to make sure we’re on the same game plan in Game 3. So they have really good experience that I’m leaning on.”
Nakase will need all the experience she can count on in the next game at Atlanta’s home court.
Reese’s performance puts her in rare WNBA Finals company. She joins Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones as the only three players to record 30 points and 15 rebounds in a title-series game, adding another milestone after leading the Dream past New York in the semifinals.
Reese also became the first player in WNBA history to tally a double-double in each of her first two career Finals contests. At just 24, she became the youngest player in WNBA history to deliver a 30-point, 15-rebound playoff performance.
The dominant display puts her in legendary company, joining A’ja Wilson, Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, and Lisa Leslie as the only players to achieve the feat.
When Reese is at her best, few can match her impact on the floor. She has emerged as Atlanta’s driving force despite sharing the roster with Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, putting herself in the Finals MVP conversation if the Dream closes out Golden State. For Atlanta, her form could make all the difference.
Reese will look to continue her dominant run in Game 3, which will be held on Wednesday at the State Farm Arena.