Angel Reese, forward for the Atlanta Dream, admitted that a missed game-winning layup against the Indiana Fever in a recent matchup significantly affected her. The play occurred in the final seconds of regulation with the score tied at 81-81. The Fever ultimately won the game in overtime, 95-91.
"I didn’t sleep, and the competitor in me wanted to win that game so bad," Reese said following the Dream's subsequent victory over the Las Vegas Aces. "I replayed that play so many times, but I’m like: Why would I let one moment dictate everything else that I have going on that is positive?"
During the game against the Fever, Reese recorded 15 points and 14 rebounds, marking another double-double in her season. However, the missed opportunity overshadowed her statistical performance, as did a moment captured on camera of Caitlin Clark smirking after the failed attempt.
Reese emphasized the importance of her team's ability to recover and her personal drive to move past the disappointing finish. "It would have been negative for me not to come out tonight and just bounce back," she stated after the Dream's win against the Aces.
In the victory over Las Vegas, Reese focused on her defensive pressure against the Aces' A'ja Wilson. Wilson scored 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the Aces' 97-82 loss.
Reese currently leads the WNBA in rebounding, averaging 12 boards per game, and has achieved 24 double-doubles in 34 games played this season.