Angel Reese’s Powerful Message After Dream Takes 2-1 Finals Lead: “I’m Not Letting You Take This From Us”

Angel Reese and her Atlanta Dream took a 2-1 lead in the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries.

Angel Reese’s Powerful Message After Dream Takes 2-1 Finals Lead: “I’m Not Letting You Take This From Us”

Angel Reese dominated Game 3 (Image via AR5 Source/X)

After Angel Reese led her Atlanta Dream to a dominant win over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 2 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, fans felt the superstar had shed her Game 1 struggles and wanted the title more than anyone else.

The 24-year-old has endured two full years, and maybe more this season, of ridicule from fans and some members of the media. Eventually, she was traded away to her current team. At the time, many felt that the Chicago Sky had gotten rid of the toxicity that many claim Reese projects.

However, a new environment proved the Maryland native is an exceptional basketball player, and she is now two wins away from her first WNBA championship.

Throughout this season, she stuck by her head coach’s words and worked on her game. After winning the Defensive Player of the Year, she made it clear she was not done with the season.

It seems motivation to prove that she is among the best in the business kept her going even when she was ridiculed for essentially choking in the second half of Game 1. Since then, Reese has been on a tear.

In Game 3, she followed up her Game 2 performance with another all-round dominant show. If there was any doubt she wouldn’t seize this opportunity to be the best, she said it at the post-game press conference.

I’m not letting you take this from us.

Angel Reese said

The 6’3″ forward made it clear that she has the mindset of wanting to win the championship more than anybody else. That explains why Angel Reese has been this dominant across the floor as the Dream take a 2-1 lead.

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Paige Bueckers lauds close friend Angel Reese

Before Angel Reese dominated in Game 3, there were already conversations that the superstar had turned a corner and would win no matter what. When TMZ caught up with Paige Bueckers at the airport, they asked her about Reese’s surge from being criticized to now shining under the brightest lights.

I’m really happy for her. We’re close friends… To see her thrive on the biggest stage, she deserves it. She works for it. The crown she wears is heavy.

Paige Bueckers replied

The Dallas Wings star admitted that her USA Basketball teammate has faced a lot of scrutiny and vitriol since coming into the league. She said it made her happy that she got through all that with grace, avoided getting dragged into the narratives, and came out this way.

Bueckers reiterated that Angel Reese deserves all the praise she is getting now, as they were not around when she was struggling in her earlier days with a losing team. She does have her moments, but Bueckers is pleased to see the success too.

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Angel Reese’s national team head coach sings her praises

During the times when Angel Reese was facing a lot of criticism, many accused her of not being coachable or easy to get along with. Sure, past incidents with her college teammates and other instances helped fuel those rumors. However, one coach who worked with the Atlanta Dream star recently had a completely opposite opinion.

USA Basketball HC Kara Lawson with Angel Reese
USA Basketball HC Kara Lawson with Angel Reese (Image via AR5 Source/X)

I don’t know that I’ve ever enjoyed coaching a player more.

Kara Lawson said on Bird’s Eye View

The USA Basketball head coach reiterated that she saw firsthand how competitive and driven Reese is. That, along with her energy, pushes her to ask questions like a sponge, take in everything the team needs, and perform accordingly.

Along with that drive, Kara Lawson agreed with Bird’s Eye View host and USA Basketball director Sue Bird that Angel Reese also knows how to mix it up with humor, and that can help set the vibe inside the locker room. If that praise keeps coming her way, opinions about the three-time All-Star could soon change.

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