The Atlanta Dream lost Game 7 of the WNBA Finals 68-63 to concede the title to the Golden State Valkyries after Gabby Williams’ historic performance. Angel Reese once again left it all out on the court, and gave an emotional interview post-game, per a post on X by ClutchPoints.
Reese herself was limited by a difficult defence that competed for every shot all night, but that can be said for both the teams.
“I mean it’s tough, especially with the good group, great group that I’ve had the honor, honestly, to battle with all year,” she said. “They changed my life and I am so grateful for them, and I am thankful for them, and it is tough in the moment, but we'll be back. I always say, ‘delayed, not denied,’ and this is only Year 3, they got a lot of years left too, but I’m just really grateful that I go to war with this group, and I would do it again, all over again.”
Reese’s third year in the WNBA led to her first Finals appearance as she averaged 16.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. In the seven games, she averaged 14.9 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
In Game 7, however, she had just eight points and 12 rebounds, going 3-7 from the field. However, Reese did not qualify for the postseason in her two seasons with the Chicago Sky, and expressed confidence in her teammates. The Valkyries were led by Finals MVP Williams, who produced 30 points, including a WNBA Finals record of 22 points in the second half.
Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton were the only other Valkyries stars to score in double digits. Atlanta were led by Jordin Canada in scoring as she returned with 18 points, five assists and four rebounds, while Allisha Gray had 16 points and six rebounds.