Angel Reese is facing plenty of criticism after the Atlanta Dream dropped Game 5 of the WNBA Finals. But focusing entirely on her latest performance ignores the bigger picture.
Atlanta lost 64-55 to the Golden State Valkyries on Monday night. Reese finished with seven points, and the Dream now trail 3-2 in the championship series.
There is no avoiding the fact that Reese must be better offensively. The Dream need more production from their star with the season on the line.
But one difficult game should not erase everything she has contributed to Atlanta’s run.
Reese has established herself as one of the WNBA’s most recognizable young players through her rebounding, physical presence and ability to change games around the basket. Her impact does not always show up neatly in the scoring column.
She also demonstrated her offensive ceiling earlier in this series. Reese delivered 30 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2, helping Atlanta even the series and reminding everyone what she can do when everything clicks.
Now, Golden State has responded with a defensive approach that has limited her opportunities. The Valkyries have made Atlanta work for every basket, and the Dream have struggled to generate enough offense elsewhere.
That is not an excuse for Reese’s recent scoring numbers. It is a reminder that basketball remains a team sport, even when one player attracts most of the attention.
Atlanta needs Reese to respond, but it also needs a more complete offensive performance from the entire roster.
The Dream did not reach the Finals by accident. They earned their place, and Reese has been part of that story.
Can she rediscover her best form and help Atlanta force a decisive Game 7?