Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese expressed determination to return stronger after her team fell 68-63 to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday night. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Reese praised the organization and her teammates for what she called the best season of her young career.
Game 7 Struggles
Reese finished with eight points on 3-of-7 shooting, including 1-of-3 from three-point range and 1-of-3 from the free-throw line. She grabbed 12 rebounds — nine offensive and three defensive — along with one assist, one steal and two blocks, but committed four costly turnovers. Notably, she did not attempt a shot in the fourth quarter and reached the free-throw line only once in the final frame.
Historic Season
The 2024 campaign saw Reese earn Defensive Player of the Year honors, make her third All-Star appearance and be named to the All-WNBA Second Team, making her eligible for an EPIC contract extension. She set single-season records for rebounds and double-doubles, as well as a single-game rebounding record. Her offensive game improved significantly under coach Karl Smesko, who worked directly with her to reshape her shot.
Series Performance and Future
Across the seven-game series, Reese averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, highlighted by a record-setting 30-point, 16-rebound effort in Game 2 and a 21-point, 12-rebound performance in Game 4. She recorded four double-doubles in the series but was held to eight or fewer points in three of Atlanta's four losses. After two seasons with the Chicago Sky marked by off-court changes, Reese said she has found stability and growth in Atlanta. She looks forward to a full offseason with Smesko and believes her first playoff run will aid her long-term development.
