Updated
Angel Reese has helped the Atlanta Dream reach the 2026 WNBA Finals after a dominant postseason run, putting the spotlight firmly on the star, especially as she lands a new nickname ahead of Saturday's opener against the Golden State Valkyries.
Atlanta have won all five of their playoff games, with Reese playing a central role as the former LSU Tigers standout is averaging 18.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game in the playoffs, helping the Dream sweep both the Washington Mystics and the New York Liberty.
Angel Reese turned all heads and raised temperatures with her sexiest WNBA playoff looks
Reese delivered with a team-high 22 points in the decisive semifinal victory over New York, and her performances have now earned her another title, CJ McCollum referring to Reese as the Queen of the South ahead of the championship series.
“Obviously, the Atlanta team changed when the Queen of the South got here,” McCollum said. “So happy for her, happy to see them doing well, happy to see the team in the city kind of surrounding them.”
Reese thanked the ex-NBA star for the recognition and suggesting the nickname reflects her connection to Louisiana, where she became a college basketball star at LSU.
“Shoutout to CJ McCollum. It is really cool when you men’s team shows love to you,” Reese said. “I guess he’s saying that because I played at LSU. I appreciate the name. I guess that’s my new nickname – Queen of the South.”
The latest title joins her established Bayou Barbie and Chi Barbie nicknames, the former emerging during her time at LSU in Baton Rouge, as she helped lead the college to a national championship in 2023.
Chi Barbie followed after the Chicago Sky selected her seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, while Baltimore Barbie has paid tribute to her hometown in Maryland.
Angel Reese plays for the LSU Tigers LAPRESSE
Reese readies for Game 1 of the WNBA Finals
Now Reese has an opportunity to turn her growing profile into a championship. The Dream face a formidable Golden State team that has made history by reaching the Finals in just its second season, following its debut in 2025.
The Valkyries became the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in its inaugural campaign and have continued that progress under coach Natalie Nakase, whilst Gabby Williams has helped lead Golden State, averaging 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals.
The Finals could be decided by defensive execution, with the two teams accounting for six of the WNBA's 10 All-Defensive selections. Tamika Catchings has highlighted defensive health as a major factor.
Atlanta, meanwhile, is waiting on the status of leading scorer Allisha Gray, who injured her shooting hand during the semifinal series and reportedly underwent a minor procedure during the break.
Game 1 tips off Saturday, October 17, at 15:30 ET/12:30 PT at Chase Center in San Francisco.