Fans Marvel at Angel Reese’s Physicality After Insane Block, Transition, and Score Against New Zealand – “Straight Dominance”

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has performed well for USA Basketball at the Puerto Rico regional qualifiers.

Fans Marvel at Angel Reese’s Physicality After Insane Block, Transition, and Score Against New Zealand – “Straight Dominance”

Angel Reese has been 'strong' for USA Basketball (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Angel Reese made a strong impression at the FIBA Regional Qualifiers with impressive defensive and offensive plays.
  • She recorded a double-double in her second game and showcased her physicality with a notable block and layup against New Zealand.
  • Reese's performance contributed to Team USA's undefeated streak in the qualifiers, highlighting her resilience and competitive spirit.

Along with Angel Reese, five other WNBA stars have made their senior team debut for USA Basketball at the FIBA Regional Qualifiers currently taking place in Puerto Rico.

The Chicago Sky star may not have ended her sophomore WNBA season in the manner in which she wanted, but her improved performances throughout the season were worthy enough to earn this national team call-up.

After a decent debut, the forward has been consistently performing well for her team. A double-double in her second game may have been her best effort in four games, but one moment in their last game against New Zealand left many viewers stunned.

Late in the second quarter, the island nation’s Ella Tofaeono was trying to back into Angel Reese to create separation for a layup. But the 23-year-old stuck to the forward like glue and always had her hands up.

Then, when Tofaeono tried to shoot into the basket, the Sky superstar swatted the attempt away with her right hand. As the ball bounced onto the court, WNBA rival Caitlin Clark gathered it and raced towards the other end.

When she saw that Rae Burrell was open, the Fever point guard passed the ball to her. However, as the Sparks forward was setting herself up for a shot, she noticed Reese barreling down and getting close to the opposition’s basket.

Burrell passed her the ball, and the Maryland native scored a layup, despite having to absorb contact from a defender while doing so.

Fans react to Angel Reese’s impressive sequence of plays

After scoring the basket, Angel Reese turned around to go back to her side of the court. But then, Ella Tofaeono arrived at that very moment and crashed into the USA forward. The LSU star did not flinch.

What fans noticed was that even though the WNBA rebounding phenom was off balance, she absorbed the New Zealander’s strength—and the added push of her momentum—before knocking Tofaeono back a couple of inches and giving her a death stare.

This was a continuation of the previous play when Tofaeono tried to lock Angel Reese’s arm, the same arm with which she blocked her opponent’s shot.

To basketball fans, this sequence, along with the strong layup, proves that the 6’3″ is not one to mess with. Check out examples of those reactions below:

Angel Reese finished this game with nine points of an efficient 80% shooting, four rebounds, and two steals and blocks. She managed to do all that in just a little over 17 minutes.

Angel Reese has one word to describe her USA Basketball experience

Reese and her USA Basketball teammates have won all four of their games in this FIBA Regional Qualifiers, and will probably add a fifth straight against Spain before heading home.

Angel Reese dominated against Puerto Rico
Angel Reese dominated against Puerto Rico (Image via USA Basketball/X)

After enduring two miserable losing seasons with her Chicago Sky, this is the first time the 2023 National Champion has experienced consistent winning. That was literally her answer when a reporter asked Reese what her favorite part of this Team USA experience has been.

Winning.

Angel Reese replied

The smile on her face was evident. She has not had as much success on the court in her professional life as she has had in some of the other ventures she has associated with.

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