Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese expressed determination despite a 68-63 Game 7 loss to the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals on Saturday. The defeat ended Reese's third WNBA season, which she called the best of her young career after being traded from the Chicago Sky in April.
Reese, who was named Defensive Player of the Year, made her third All-Star team, and earned All-WNBA second-team honors, set single-season rebounding, double-double, and single-game rebounding records this season. In Game 7, she scored eight points on 3-of-7 shooting with 12 rebounds, one assist, one steal, two blocks, and four turnovers. She had no shot attempts in the fourth quarter.
"They changed my life, and I'm just so grateful for them... it is tough in the moment, but we'll be back. And I always say delayed, not denied, and this is only Year 3," Reese said. She averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds in the series, with four double-doubles, including a 30-point, 16-rebound performance in Game 2.
Reese credited coach Karl Smesko for improving her offensive game and looks forward to a full offseason working with him. She emphasized the stability and growth she found in Atlanta after roster turnover in Chicago.
