David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Angel Reese speaks to her coach during the WNBA Finals.
Angel Reese had a monster night in the Atlanta Dream’s playoff victory over Golden State. She still managed to create a negative storyline by letting emotions get the best of her.
The forward quit on her teammates in the middle of a play because they wouldn’t pass the ball. It was a moment of frustration she might like to have back in an otherwise stellar performance.
The Dream needed that output to overcome a 1-0 deficit in the WNBA Finals. Reese was the best player on the floor. Her stat sheet reflected it.
Angel Reese was unstoppable.
The third-year star put up a double-double while playing 34 minutes. She led all scorers and rebounders, going for 30 and 16. She was 10-16 from the field and 9-11 from the line. Reese even connected on her only three-point attempt.
ANGEL FOR 3 BANGGGGGG https://t.co/kk3aWE9uzf
— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) October 20, 2026
There was nothing she couldn’t do. The Dream eventually won the game, 79-65. The WNBA Finals are now even at one game apiece. The series will go to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4.
There were so many positives in the contest. She recorded career highs for points and boards in the postseason. She led her team with two blocks and added three assists to rank second on the squad.
Unfortunately, she gave her critics a reason to chirp. She quit on her team during a play in the third quarter of a then-tie game.
Reese threw a tantrum.
Angel Reese started throwing a fit and stomping her feet when her teammates didn’t pass her the ball 🤣
She GAVE UP MID PLAY 💀💀 https://t.co/0QPdKR9iP4
— House of Lowlights (@HouseLowlights) October 20, 2026
With the score tied at 40-40, Angel Reese demanded the ball in the post. Her teammates did not feed her the rock. So, she walked off the floor.
The optics were poor. It was selfish. That doesn’t mean she wasn’t right to be frustrated. She had the hot hand.
A few possessions later, she would get the ball on a fast break opportunity. Reese turned it into an and-1 to help her team build a lead. It was the start of a 27-6 run.
“GIVE ME THE FU*KING BALL.”
— ANGEL REESE. 🔥🗣️
(h/t @ShowCaseShabazz)
https://t.co/8Y1ONVDl3z
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 20, 2026
The Dream pulled away with a monster third quarter. Reese went viral for both the good and the bad during that 10-minute period.
Emotions got the best of her for a brief moment. She’s a competitor. Atlanta would like to see her handle the situation differently moving forward, but it will gladly trade one negative interaction for a double-double and WNBA Finals win.