Yaxel Lendeborg returned Angel Reese's signature taunt after the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 to clinch their first WNBA title.
Following the Valkyries' championship victory on Saturday night, Lendeborg was observed taunting Reese, the star player for the Dream. The gesture mirrored one Reese made in Game 3 of the series, when with 28.7 seconds remaining and the Dream holding a significant lead, she gestured with her thumb and index finger closed to signal that the Valkyries were "too small."
When the final buzzer sounded in Game 7, Lendeborg, celebrating on the court, reciprocated Reese's gesture towards the Dream's bench.
Despite the taunt, the Dream's season concluded with their first WNBA championship in their second year as a franchise. Reese was a standout performer for Atlanta throughout the series, including a historic Game 2 performance where she became the first Dream player to record over 25 points and 10 rebounds in a WNBA Finals game. In the decisive Game 7, Reese collected 12 rebounds but was limited to eight points offensively, as the Valkyries managed to contain her scoring.
Gabby Williams led the Valkyries in Game 7 with 30 points and three rebounds, earning her Finals MVP honors. Lendeborg, in his nascent professional basketball career, has been making a name for himself not only with his play, averaging 19.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 48.2% from the field, but also as a vocal presence. He previously drew attention in the season opener on October 21 for his interactions with Luka Doncic.
While the Dream's season has ended, Lendeborg is scheduled to play at home on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.