Dream star Angel Reese assigns blame after loss to Valkyries

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Dream star Angel Reese assigns blame after loss to Valkyries

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 19, 2026 12:47 PM ET

The Atlanta Dream entered Game 1 of the WNBA Finals full of confidence. They swept the first two playoff rounds and hoped to steal homecourt advantage immediately from the Golden State Valkyries. However, it didn’t go according to plan, and Angel Reese assigned the blame for Sunday’s 68-64 defeat.

Reese finished with 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting, along with 12 rebounds, two steals and one block. Allisha Gray produced a team-high 19 points, with six rebounds and two assists, while Rhyne Howard added 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists. However, none of their teammates scored in double digits and Reese was held to just two field-goal attempts in the second half.

Gabby Williams led the Valkyries’ attack with a game-high 26 points. While no other Golden State scored more than nine points, eight players scored in the game.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) warms up before a WNBA preseason game against the Chicago Sky.

Angel Reese takes blame for Dream’s Game 1 loss to Valkyries

Reese spoke to the media after the game. She took the blame for the loss, stressing that the Valkyries’ defense didn’t force her to limit her shots.

“I don’t think they really did anything,” Reese said. “Maybe that was just on me. I wasn’t aggressive enough with the ball and trying to get the ball and get to my spot. So I’m definitely going to do a better job of that next game.”

“I don’t think they really did anything… I wasn’t aggressive enough.”

Angel Reese on whether the Valkyries did anything to limit her shot attempts in the second half https://t.co/FX3TQPrAOl

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 17, 2026

The Defensive Player of the Year only attempted two shots in the second half. She failed to add to her scoring total but recorded six more rebounds. While Reese still delivered a double-double, she showed throughout the season that she can produce even more impressive numbers.

Atlanta and Golden State will play Game 2 on Monday at Chase Center again. Reese and Co. will have a chance to bounce back quickly and go home with the series tied at 1-1. Their fans will cheer them on loudly during Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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