The Atlanta Dream are one game away from losing the WNBA Finals, but Angel Reese’s words could prove to be a big inspiration for her team.
Despite all the discourse surrounding the WNBA Finals and the arena issues, the series itself has proven to be one of the greatest ever so far. After the Atlanta Dream took a 2-1 lead powered by Angel Reese’s greatness, the Valkyries have stormed back to take a 3-2 lead of their own.
Game 5 saw the Dream put up just 55 points, Golden State’s defence took over once more. Reese struggled herself, managing only seven points on 2-of-8 shooting during the game. Speaking after the game, though, the Atlanta star expounded on her belief that her team can still win it all.
Angel Reese explains what Atlanta Dream will need to do, says they can still win WNBA Finals
The Dream will play Game 6 in front of their home fans, and now need a win to ensure that there is a Game 7 to give them the chance to win. Despite impressive performances in Games 2 and 3, Reese and her teammates will need to deliver again if they don’t want their run to end on a sour note.
At the press conference following Game 5, Angel outlined what needs to be done for the team to win the Finals.
“Obviously, the best two teams are here for a reason and defence wins championships,” Reese said. “So, it’s about who is going to be tougher. It’s about who’s going to get down and guard. Who’s gonna maximise possession but also who’s going to make shots. Obviously, we’ve struggled making shots.
“I still believe in our team. I still believe we can win this. One game at a time. Going back home, Game 6… We’re gonna hit our shots at the right time. The process sometimes is a little bit harder. You want to go through hard stuff to get what you want in life. We’re just going to take it one game at a time.”
This is quite a mature take from the 24-year-old facing elimination in her first-ever Finals appearance. If she can actually help her team come back from this and win the series in seven games, Reese’s popularity might surge to even greater heights.
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