The Atlanta Dream lost to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday. While Atlanta led by as many as nine points and were up by five entering the fourth quarter, Angel Reese and company simply couldn’t overcome Golden State’s depth.
Gabby Williams led the way for the Valkyries with 26 points in the 68-64 win. No other Golden State player scored in double digits, although the team’s bench outscored Atlanta’s second unit 20-6.
Allisha Gray scored 19 points for the Dream, while Reese added 14 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and one block.
One of the most noteworthy stats from the game, however, was that Reese went scoreless in the second half. She started off hot with 11 points in the first quarter, which was a big reason the Dream dominated early.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
With Reese unable to contribute offensively after halftime, the Valkyries took control of the game and eventually secured the win.
In her postgame press conference, Reese was asked what the Valkyries did to make her struggle in the second half. The 24-year-old forward, nonetheless, claimed that her offensive issues were not because of anything the opponents did. Instead, she expressed belief that it was a result of her own lack of aggressiveness.
“I don’t think they really did anything,” Reese said. “Maybe that’s just on me. I wasn’t aggressive enough with the ball and trying to get the ball and get to my spots.”
For what it’s worth, Reese’s assessment appears to be supported by her shot attempts.
She attempted only two shots in the entire second half despite playing nearly 18 minutes during that span. In comparison, she attempted nine shots and made five in the first half.
The three-time All-Star did promise to do better in the next game, though. Game 2 of the Dream-Valkyries series is scheduled for Monday.
