Updated
Angel Reese is playing the best basketball of her professional career, and fans are watching her lead the Atlanta Dream through a strong WNBA Finals run. She has become a difference-maker in every game, building momentum and showing what she can do on the biggest stage.
Kim Mulkey can’t hide her pride as Angel Reese’s tough layup brings her former coach out of her seat
Reese is embracing this moment, and her performances are helping silence her doubters. One person who believed in her potential from the beginning, but has always been one of the toughest judges to impress, could not stay in her seat while watching her former player dominate. Kim Mulkey was caught reacting to Reese’s performance as if she were still coaching her at LSU.
Mulkey’s reactions bring back memories of their time at LSU
The images quickly went viral on social media as fans noticed Mulkey reacting to the action like she was still in charge from the sidelines. Her passion for the game was clear, but the coach also showed a softer side after the final whistle, when Reese went over to greet her and Mulkey’s pride in her former player was impossible to miss.
The two share a history that includes championships, and their reunion showed how much their connection remains. Mulkey has watched Reese grow from her time at LSU into a player making a difference in the WNBA. Some of the fearless attitude Reese brings to the court may have been shaped during those years playing under the iconic coach.
The Atlanta Dream star is making her mark in the WNBA Finals, and even her former coach Kim Mulkey can’t hide her excitement
Reese is chasing another championship with the Dream
After the game, Reese reflected on Mulkey’s encouragement, recalling how her former coach pushed her to keep going and give everything she had. Reese also remembered what it felt like to win a championship with Mulkey and said winning another title with her current group would be even more special.
Reese made the difference in Game 2 with a 30-point, 16-rebound performance and was once again the Dream’s best player in Game 3. She is averaging 21.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in the Finals, while shooting 56.4% from the field and 75.0% from three-point range. If Atlanta wins the championship, Reese is currently the favorite to take home Finals MVP.