Has the Golden State Valkyries’ Defense Figured Out Angel Reese?
· Yahoo Sports
Angel Reese looked like a force capable of swinging the WNBA Finals just a few games ago. Now, the Atlanta Dream are searching for answers as the Golden State Valkyries close in on a championship.
Golden State defeated Atlanta 64-55 on Monday night, taking a 3-2 series lead. Reese finished with seven points after scoring eight in Game 4.
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The back-to-back performances have raised an obvious question: Has Golden State figured out how to neutralize one of Atlanta’s most important players?
The Valkyries have made scoring in the paint difficult. Their defensive pressure has limited Reese’s clean looks, while Atlanta has struggled to create enough reliable offense to punish Golden State for focusing on the interior.
That combination has put the Dream in a difficult position.
Reese is at her most dangerous when she can use her physicality near the basket and turn missed shots into second chances. When those opportunities disappear, Atlanta needs other ways to involve her and generate offense.
The Dream could look to create more space, get Reese the ball in different spots or use her as a facilitator when Golden State commits extra defenders. Those adjustments are easier said than done, particularly against a team that has found its rhythm defensively.
Credit belongs to the Valkyries for making those possessions difficult. They have turned the Finals into a grind, and Atlanta has not consistently found a way to counter.
But defensive adjustments are only part of the story. Reese must also finish the opportunities she gets and help Atlanta avoid another offensive drought.
The season is now on the line. If the Dream want to extend this series, they need a better plan against Golden State’s defense.
Can Reese adjust before the Valkyries finish the job?