San Francisco – After the Atlanta Dream narrowly missed securing a title, Angel Reese remained focused on future victories. Following their defeat to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals, Reese expressed determination to return with renewed vigor. “It is tough in the moment, but we’ll be back,” she stated post-game.
Reese contributed eight points, 12 rebounds, but encountered four turnovers during the game. Despite Golden State’s successful championship clinch, Reese’s one-point fourth-quarter performance showcased an impressive season. Gabby Williams excelled, scoring 28 out of her 30 points in the second half, earning the Finals MVP title.
Reflecting on her season, Reese shared, “I’m really proud of the year that I had. I could not have achieved this without my teammates.” She acknowledged the supportive environment within the Dream locker room, stating, “There’s no egos in the locker room and nobody’s selfish. Everybody just wants to see each other succeed.”
Reese, a pivotal player in Atlanta’s victories in Games 2 and 3, helped secure a 2-1 series lead. Before Game 4, she spoke strategically about affecting Golden State’s confidence. Despite falling short, Reese averaged 9.5 points in the next games, maintaining strong rebounding efforts with 12.5 per game.
The Dream’s decisive Game 7 was marked by Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard’s combined 44-point performance, although Atlanta faced challenges as Gabby Williams dominated the game’s later stages. Reese concluded with a poignant reflection on her growth under Dream head coach Karl Smesko and expressed enthusiasm for continued development.
Post-defeat, Reese conveyed appreciation for her teammates, coaches, and Atlanta’s fan base. She highlighted the significance of offseason improvements, stating, “When individually you get better in the offseason, you get better collectively.” Looking optimistically to future seasons, Reese concluded, “Just because we didn’t win today doesn’t mean we won’t be champions in the future.”
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