It wasn’t too long ago that the Atlanta Dream had the best record in the WNBA, and the acquisition of star forward Angel Reese via a trade with the Chicago Sky over the offseason was looking like the most prudent move any franchise had made. However, a lot of things have changed since May. Atlanta has lost its last five games, dropping the team to 12-9 and seventh in the standings.
After Atlanta’s latest loss on July 4th, its third in the last five games to the Golden State Valkyries, Reese made it clear that she would be embracing the challenges of being a part of a team with legitimate championship aspirations.
“Championship culture is not supposed to be easy,” Reese said in her post game presser. “We even talk a little bit to (Aaliyah Nye), and she was on Vegas last year when they were going through what they went through, and how did they get out of it, and figuring that out.
“So I think everybody’s just pouring into each other and trying to figure out how we can get over this hump in the easiest way that’s possible. But I just think that we just continue to work. We’re going to just have to continue to work and put our heads down.
“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves because nobody else feels sorry for us. And I don’t think we do feel sorry for ourselves. I think everybody’s hungry to suit up again and play another game. So luckily we get another opportunity on what, Thursday, Friday, and being able to get another team, another shot at another team.”
“The problem with her is that she doesn’t know her role.”
Although Reese is showing the necessary resolve and her personal numbers have been impressive as of late, calls outside of the building are rising for Atlanta to make a serious change to get the team back on track.
“Atlanta Dream needs to start (Madina Okot) over Angel. The problem with her is that she doesn’t know her role,and she wants to do everything and come in other people’s way, which is costing them. Like she wanted to be a point guard at FIBA when the PG was next to her and led to a turnover,” one fan posted on X.
“She sacrifices winning for stat padding. If she’d pass the ball off to someone who can shoot instead of trying to constantly brick it up herself, her team would win. But she is out for herself, not the team,” someone else posted.
“Angel off the bench for Bri Jones when Bri comes back,” someone else added.
The WNBA season is at its halfway point, so there’s plenty of time to figure out which role best suits Reese for the team to be successful. However, head coach Karl Smesko may have to hit the drawing board and make some tough decisions if the losses keep stacking.
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