“Isn’t Even in the Same Sentence as Caitlin Clark” – Angel Reese’s Horror Show in WNBA Finals Has Fans Calling Her Out

Valkyries shut down Angel Reese in the second half to prevail in the first game of the WNBA Finals.

“Isn’t Even in the Same Sentence as Caitlin Clark” – Angel Reese’s Horror Show in WNBA Finals Has Fans Calling Her Out

Angel Reese (Image credits - The Mercury News)

Angel Reese has undoubtedly been the Atlanta Dream’s biggest star and, arguably, the best player in the playoffs this year. She is playing in her first postseason and has led her team to the WNBA Finals. It is the Dream’s first Finals appearance in 13 years.

Hype and excitement built heading into Game 1 of the Finals. The Golden State Valkyries were coming off a 3-0 series win over the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. Meanwhile, the Dream were still unbeaten in the playoffs.

Game 1 was a topsy-turvy affair with several lead changes. In the end, Reese and the Dream struggled in the final quarter and were beaten 68-64 in a hard-fought encounter at the Chase Center on Saturday night.

It is Reese’s first season with the Dream after the Chicago Sky traded her this year. After an impressive regular season where she was named as the Defensive Player of the Year, Reese has been unstoppable in the playoffs. She has been dominant and led her team on both ends of the floor.

Unfortunately, she was a shell of herself on Saturday. She recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds. two steals and one block, she committed five fouls and four turnovers. She did not score a single point in the second half, as she did not make a single shot after three field goal attempts.

The 24-year-old had a disappointing, humbling experience. She started the game strong but lacked aggression in the second half. The Dream went 2-for-19 in the fourth quarter as the Valks’ defense turned on the jets, but Angel Reese’s struggles made the biggest difference for the Atlanta offense.

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WNBA fans call out Angel Reese for her shocking performance in Game 1 loss

All eyes were on Angel Reese heading into Game 1. She led her team to the Finals in her postseason debut and showed no signs of nerves throughout the playoffs.

Just when it looked like she’d run the game after the first half, her poor second-half performance sparked reactions across social media.

WNBA fans called her out after her shocking second-half performance, and some even compared her to Caitlin Clark. Angel Reese will be looking to keep the noise away as she will be hoping for a much improved performance in Game 2.

Angel Reese and her teammates will be looking to bounce back in Game 2

Angel Reese was not the only one who put up an underwhelming performance in Game 1. Her two All-Star teammates, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, shot 26% and 21% from the field, respectively. Overall, the team shot at just 33% from the field.

Angel Reese
Angel Reese (Image credits – Yahoo Sports)

The Dream have never won a championship despite making three WNBA Finals appearances in the past. Meanwhile, the Valks were founded last year and are now just three games away from a historic championship.

It’s no surprise that the league’s two most efficient defenses played a tough, low-scoring battle. Angel Reese and her teammates will be expected to play more aggressively on offense in Game 2.

The Finals have just begun, and one game doesn’t decide anything. However, it will be interesting to see the Dream’s body language and response in Game 2 after their first playoff loss this year.

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