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‘Queen of the South’ — CJ McCollum Hypes Up Angel Reese Ahead of WNBA Finals Debut, Calls Out Hawks’ ‘False Blame’ for Dream Arena Drama

Angel Reese’s breakout season has propelled the Atlanta Dream to their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2013, and the team’s guard CJ McCollum is quick to credit her impact. Reese, acquired from the Chicago Sky in April 2026, has been a dominant force in the playoffs, averaging 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game while leading Atlanta to a sweep of the Washington Mystics and a three-game dismantling of the defending champion New York Liberty.

Her standout performances—including 22 points in Game 3 against New York—have solidified her as the cornerstone of the Dream’s championship push, with McCollum affectionately dubbing her the ‘Queen of the South’ for her transformative role in the franchise’s resurgence.

Beyond Reese’s on-court success, McCollum also addressed lingering criticism over the Dream’s Finals arena situation, pushing back against claims that the team’s players influenced scheduling conflicts at State Farm Arena. The Hawks’ home venue, which seats 17,000, was initially unavailable due to concert dates and the team’s regular-season opener, forcing a last-minute scramble to secure a suitable venue for the high-demand series.

McCollum clarified that the players had no control over the scheduling decisions, emphasizing their role as athletes rather than logistical planners. With Game 1 against the Golden State Valkyries set for Saturday, Reese’s Finals debut marks the culmination of a season that has redefined Atlanta’s WNBA ambitions.

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