Angel Reese first of WNBA's new stars with real shot at title

Angel Reese is the first of the WNBA's new stars with a real shot at a title, according to www.highposthoops.com. The Atlanta Dream are up 1-0 in the semifinals after beating the New York Liberty 92-82, and Reese was the driving force.

She put up 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including a made 3-pointer, plus 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. It was a statement performance in her first-ever playoff run.

Reese is the only young star who advanced past the first round. Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Olivia Miles, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen were all eliminated in the first round of the playoffs this year.

That leaves Reese as the first young superstar to play in the semifinals—the Fever made it last year but Clark was injured. She is the last one standing from a generation that was supposed to take over the league.

THE SEMIFINAL STATEMENT

Reese powered the Dream’s 92-82 semifinal-opening win over the Liberty with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including a made 3-pointer. She added 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks, per www.highposthoops.com.

The Atlanta Dream now lead the best-of-five series 1-0. Reese’s all-around line helped the Dream control both ends of the floor against a Liberty team that had just upset the Lynx in the first round.

The Dream’s path here included a sweep of the young Mystics in the first round. That set up this semifinal showdown, where Reese has already made her presence felt.

The big question now is Allisha Gray. Her availability for the rest of the series has not been confirmed, and the source only says "if" she can play.

If Gray does return and the Dream keep delivering on both ends, Reese may very well reach the finals in her first-ever playoff run, according to www.highposthoops.com. For now, the Dream hold the edge with a 1-0 lead.