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‘They Have To Continue To Feed Her’ – 2-Time WNBA All-Star Urges Dream To Make Angel Reese a ‘Threat’ After Scoreless Second Half vs. Valkyries

Angel Reese dominated the first half of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals with 11 points in the opening quarter, including a standout 9-point surge during an 11-0 Atlanta run that built a 22-14 lead. However, the Golden State Valkyries stifled her in the second half, holding Reese scoreless on 0-for-5 shooting as the Dream fell 68-64.

The shift came after Kiah Stokes, Golden State’s defensive anchor, was benched in favor of Laeticia Amihere, who matched Reese’s size and athleticism. Reese’s struggles extended beyond scoring, with four turnovers and five fouls in 35 minutes, while Stokes delivered a defensive statement with nine points, seven rebounds, and a career-high four blocks.

Postgame, Reese acknowledged her own offensive shortcomings, admitting she wasn’t aggressive enough in securing the ball and positioning herself for shots. Former No.

1 overall pick and ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike emphasized the need for Atlanta to keep feeding Reese, arguing her offensive burst in the first quarter—when she thrived against lighter defensive pressure—proved she remains a primary threat when given opportunities. The Dream’s challenge now is sustaining that early momentum in Game 2, where Reese’s ability to dictate plays could decide the series.

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