Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese made her presence felt for Team USA in its narrow 55-52 win over Italy in the FIBA World Cup.
While Team USA struggled offensively, Reese showed her usual grit and physicality in the game. She finished with eight points, the second most on the team, along with three rebounds, one steal and two blocks.
Among her defensive highlights, however, one particular play stood out and even got a slow-motion treatment from FIBA.
Late in the first quarter of the game, Reese was guarding Italy star and fellow WNBA player Cecilia Zandalasini. After Zandalasini thought that she had lost Reese and that she had a good look at the basket for the shot, the American forward came from behind to block her shot.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
FIBA shared a video of the play, writing in the caption, “A Block Party in Berlin.”
Fans absolutely loved the video and were quick to heap praise on Reese for her defensive showing.
“Angel’s defensive masterclass is so fun to watch!!” a fan excitedly shared. Another supporter exclaimed, “Threw it back to Italy! Let’s go AR5!!!!”
“Angel said the DPOY is in ATL and she didn’t lie. Give her the Trophy!” a poster added. A fourth viewer echoed a similar sentiment, “ANGEL = DPOY.”
“Love her defense,” a social media user wrote.
A follower simply stated, “Angel so good.”
After A’ja Wilson withdrew from participating with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup, there were plenty of questions about whether Reese could fill the void left by the WNBA star, particularly on the defensive end. Sure enough, the Dream All-Star is showing everyone that she’s more than capable of anchoring the frontcourt.
