Angel Reese Is Playing Her Ass Off. Give Her Her Flowers.

Angel Reese deserves her flowers. Atlanta was already a winning team before they traded for her, and I think that's what makes her fit there worth appreciating. They didn't need her to come in and be the greatest scorer in basketball. They needed a big who could rebound, defend, bring energy and help them win possessions. She's done that, won Defensive Player of the Year, and just gave New York 23 points in a playoff win. Now the Dream are one victory away from the WNBA Finals after going out in the first round last year. She's not doing it alone, either. Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and the rest of that team deserve credit. But Angel was brought there to contribute, and she's doing exactly that.

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I've seen enough jokes, memes, Caitlin Clark comparisons and outright racist shit thrown at Angel and other Black women who play this game. I don't want to spend another article repeating it. I'd rather take a minute to acknowledge the work. Whatever people have said about her, Angel keeps showing up, competing and producing when her team needs her. That kind of public pressure would test anybody. And it's bigger than one player: A'ja Wilson, Allisha Gray, Olivia Miles and so many women across this league are giving people reasons to celebrate women's basketball. We don't have to pretend anyone is perfect, or make every conversation a competition, to say somebody deserves respect. So congratulations, Angel. I'm happy for you, and I hope Atlanta finishes the job.