ANGEL REESE IS REWRITING THE STORY

The scrutiny followed her from college to the pros. Now, her Finals performance is making the case for itself.

Angel Reese has spent years under a spotlight

that often focused as much on her attitude as her game. Now, with the Atlanta Dream leading the Golden State Valkyries 2–1 in the WNBA Finals, her play is changing the conversation.

Reese has also been a viral subject on the Boss Talk 101 Podcast for headlines beyond basketball. With her historic playoff run, it’s only right to give her the respect she has earned for what she’s accomplishing on the court.

Reese scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in Atlanta’s 97–71 Game 3 win Wednesday night at State Farm Arena. She added three assists and three steals, recording her third consecutive double-double to open her Finals career. That followed her 30-point, 16-rebound performance in Game 2.

The numbers are part of a bigger story. Reese is showing a more complete game, with improved perimeter shooting adding another dimension to her work inside. Atlanta coach Karl Smesko has worked with her on that development, and she arrives in the Finals as the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

A Rivalry That Shaped the Spotlight

The public conversation around Reese has been tied to Caitlin Clark since their 2023 NCAA championship matchup, when LSU defeated Iowa. Reese’s “You Can’t See Me” gesture became a national talking point, and the reaction raised questions about how confidence and trash talk are judged differently depending on who is showing it. Clark later defended Reese’s gesture as part of basketball’s competitive nature.

Clark is not part of this Finals matchup, but that history helps explain the scrutiny Reese has faced. Her current run shifts attention back to what she is doing on the court: leading a Finals team, producing historic performances, and helping Atlanta move within two wins of its first championship.

After Game 3, Reese made her confidence clear: “Y’all not taking this from us, and that’s in my heart.” With the Dream holding the series lead, she has a chance to turn that belief into a franchise-defining finish. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday in Atlanta.

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