Team USA Coach Issues Clear Statement on Angel Reese

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Team USA Coach Issues Clear Statement on Angel Reese

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 7, 2026 9:07 AM ET

Head coach Kara Lawson had high praise for Team USA forward Angel Reese after her strong performance against Italy.

The Atlanta Dream star finished with eight points, three rebounds, one steal and two blocks in just 15 minutes. She helped the Americans escape with a 55-52 win against Italy.

Lawson shared her thoughts on Reese during the postgame conference.

“When she gets in the game, she impacts,” Lawson said. “You can see it. I think everyone in the arena can see it.”

Lawson spoke highly of the impact the reigning WNBA rebounding leader has on Team USA despite coming off the bench.

“She comes into the game, and she plays with great energy,” Lawson continued. “She competes, she scores, she rebounds, she plays with great pace.

“It’s what you want in a player, in a young player, to come in and do that. That’s what I appreciate more about her. She finds a way to make an impact.”

Listen to Kara Lawson praising Angel When Angel gets in the game she is going to impact it through energy, competing, scoring, rebounding and she operates at a great pace! “It’s what you want in a player! She finds a way to make an impact!” pic.twitter.com/uFa8jw9hnd
— Bahamiangyal (@bahamiangyal23) September 7, 2026

Reese is averaging 6.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in just 16.0 minutes over USA first two games. She has been an integral part of Team USA’s second unit.

Reese and Co. will face the Czech Republic for their final Group D game on Monday. They have already punched their ticket to the quarterfinals after winning their first two games.

Coach Lawson and her squad are vying for a fifth straight FIBA World Cup gold medal. Despite their near-loss against Italy, their immense talent still makes this squad the overwhelming favorite to win it all.