The Atlanta Dream lost Game 1 of the WNBA Finals 68-64 against the Golden State Valkyries, but Dream forward Angel Reese still made her presence felt defensively. Her effort helped keep Atlanta within striking distance before Golden State closed out the win.
Reese’s performance drew mixed reactions from WNBA fans, with some praising her effort and others questioning the significance of her numbers in a loss.
WNBA Fans Debate Angel Reese’s Defense Despite Dream’s Game 1 Finals Loss
The three-time All-Star has increased her scoring during the WNBA playoffs, averaging 17.3 points per game compared to her regular-season average of 16.4.
Against the Valkyries, Reese recorded 1 block, giving her 12 through six playoff games. She also posted 14 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals on 5-for-11 shooting, finishing as Atlanta’s second-highest scorer.
Reactions to the Dream forward’s performance were anything but unanimous. For every fan praising her two-way impact, another was ready to point out that individual numbers did not change the result.
One WNBA fan leaned fully into the praise, writing: “Wow man, she really is better than Caitlin Clark.”
Another fan expressed frustration over the loss. “[expletive] they ruining my goats legacy game,” they wrote.
Others pushed back on the attention Reese’s numbers received.
“She also has been blocked the most in history. Show that [expletive]!” an X user commented.
“Statpadding merchant choked,” one Reese critic added.
Another fan shared a similar reaction.
“Empty stats. MEANINGLESS,” they tweeted.
One, though, couldn’t praise her enough:
“My (expletive) demon.”
The former Chicago Sky star’s effort wasn’t enough to prevent a tough finish for Atlanta. The Dream outscored the Valkyries 17-9 in the third quarter, but Golden State answered with a 17-8 fourth quarter to close out the win.
Atlanta still had a chance late, possessing the ball while down two with less than 24 seconds remaining before the Valkyries finished the game at the free-throw line.
The loss snapped Atlanta’s 10-game winning streak, which dated back to the regular season, and handed the Valkyries their first-ever Finals win in their first Finals appearance.
Gabby Williams led all scorers with 26 points, making six free throws in the final 2:15 to help seal the victory.
Game 2 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled for October 19 at Chase Center, and Atlanta will have all hands on deck to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.