Head coach Kara Lawson had high praise for Team USA forward Angel Reese after her strong performance against Italy.
The Atlanta Dream star finished with eight points, three rebounds, one steal and two blocks in just 15 minutes. She helped the Americans escape with a 55-52 win against Italy.
Lawson shared her thoughts on Reese during the postgame conference.
“When she gets in the game, she impacts,” Lawson said. “You can see it. I think everyone in the arena can see it.”
Lawson spoke highly of the impact the reigning WNBA rebounding leader has on Team USA despite coming off the bench.
“She comes into the game, and she plays with great energy,” Lawson continued. “She competes, she scores, she rebounds, she plays with great pace.
“It’s what you want in a player, in a young player, to come in and do that. That’s what I appreciate more about her. She finds a way to make an impact.”
Reese is averaging 6.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in just 16.0 minutes over USA first two games. She has been an integral part of Team USA’s second unit.
Reese and Co. will face the Czech Republic for their final Group D game on Monday. They have already punched their ticket to the quarterfinals after winning their first two games.
Coach Lawson and her squad are vying for a fifth straight FIBA World Cup gold medal. Despite their near-loss against Italy, their immense talent still makes this squad the overwhelming favorite to win it all.
More WNBA Essentials
- Highest WNBA Team Payrolls
- Top 25 Highest-Paid WNBA Players
- Every WNBA Finals Matchup, Results, and MVP Since 1997
- Net Worths: Caitlin Clark | Angel Reese | Sophie Cunningham
