Back
Angel Reese led the Atlanta Dream to the franchise's first WNBA Finals win on Monday. The former LSU women's basketball star made history in the 79-65 game against the Golden State Valkyries.
The six-foot-three forward finished with 30 points and 16 rebounds, including 12 on the defensive glass, to lead all players. She became the youngest player in WNBA history to record a double-double in each of her first two Finals games as well as the third player in league history to finish with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game, following Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones.
Reese added three assists, two blocks and steal to her final stat line. She lived up to her defensive-player-of-the-year billing by locking down the paint. Reese helped the Dream outscore the Valkyries 19-0 in fast-break points.
The Dream and Valkyries exchanged blows for much of the first half. Reese scored 15 points in the opening 20 minutes then helped the Dream pull away in the second half. She gave her team the lead on a three-point play, then knocked down a triple to extend the edge to 19 points with under five minutes to play in regulation.
Two women's college basketball head coaches took notice of Reese's performance. Former LSU assistant and current Rutgers head coach Gary Redus mentored Reese during her time in Baton Rouge. Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin gave the former SEC standout a shoutout.
Patrick Beverly was among some of the most notable figureheads in sports posting on social media about Reese's play in Game 2.
Some LSU fans and athletics employees took to social media to support the former Tiger. Current LSU women's basketball assistant coach Joe Schwartz was among them.
Reese is garnering attention for her work ethic with some social media users calling for her to receive the Finals MVP should the Dream take the crown.