“I also still think they need that go-to killer.” That is what Angel Reese’s former LSU teammate Flau’jae Johnson said a few days ago about the Golden State Valkyries. Her point was that the team has no clear go-to player who can take over when the game gets tense.

Game 2 of the Finals showed exactly that problem, as Reese’s performance was too much for them to handle. Now Phoenix Mercury guard Kelsey Plum has raised a similar question.

Kelsey Plum’s Recent Comment Regarding the Golden State Valkyries

On a recent episode of the “Girls Tripp” podcast, the two-time WNBA champion questioned whether any individual player on the Valkyries, or the team as a whole, has the mental strength to match the intensity Reese brings to the court.

“I don’t know who’s mentally strong enough; not saying there isn’t, but I don’t know who is mentally strong enough either individually or collectively to be able to match that for Golden State,” Plum said during the segment.

In Game 1 of the Finals, Reese recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds against the Valkyries. However, her contribution was not enough to help Atlanta secure a win. Then, in the next game, she showed what she is capable of.

The Dream star finished with 30 points and 16 rebounds, along with 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. She shot 10-of-16 from the field as Atlanta defeated Golden State 79-65 on the road.

The performance marked a playoff career high for Reese and placed her among an exclusive group of players. She became just the third player to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a WNBA Finals game.

The Dream did not dominate from the opening minutes. Golden State actually held a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter. However, Atlanta gradually found its rhythm and entered halftime with a two-point advantage.

The Dream then scored 21 points in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta had the biggest lead of the game, 21 points. The Valkyries were unable to handle that pressure, and the Dream ultimately secured a 14-point victory.

Reese was further supported by her teammates, with Allisha Gray adding 18 points and Jordin Canada contributing 13 points, along with 10 assists and 7 rebounds.

With the series tied 1-1, Atlanta will look to carry that momentum into Game 3, scheduled for today at 8 p.m. ET. If Reese plays as she did in Game 2 again, someone on the Valkyries roster will have to step up and meet her energy. Otherwise, Plum’s question might get an answer nobody in Golden State wants.