Despite their Game 5 WNBA Finals loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Monday, a former Super Bowl champion praised Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.
In Tuesday’s episode of “Speakesy,” former NFL wide receiver James Jones discussed Reese and the WNBA Finals. According to Jones, the Dream star has shown she can impact the game in different ways. He also addressed Reese’s postgame comments, while referencing Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“My main thing is Angel Reese is special because of her leadership qualities, in my humble opinion,” Jones said (Timestamp: 6:12). “Angel Reese steps off the bus, and you know she’s going to play extremely hard and bring the energy. The only reason I’m bringing that up is because, the last two games you can’t get up to the podium defeated.
“You’re the leader. I used to tell people, playing with Aaron Rodgers all the time, I knew he was good whether we came off that field with a win or loss. Like, that’s just what he brought. Angel Reese is special (at) bringing the energy. If you’re defeated, deflated, whatever it is, I promise you that’s going to be the Atlanta Dream.”
Jones and Rodgers were teammates with the Green Bay Packers from 2007 to 2013, and again in 2015. The two won the Super Bowl XLV over the Steelers.
Jones added Tuesday that Reese has to return to the level she played at during the first three games of the WNBA Finals. The Dream star was the favorite to win Finals MVP after recording three straight double-doubles.
Angel Reese criticizes the officiating after Game 5 loss
Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese’s postgame comments about the officiating were discussed on Tuesday’s episode of “Speakesy.” In her media availability following the Dream’s 64-55 Game 5 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, Reese blasted the referees for allegedly missing calls in the last two games.
“I would definitely say last game, for sure, there was also a possession where Gabby (Williams) pulled me on purpose, and she was screaming foul, foul, foul and they didn’t call it,” Reese said. “So, that definitely was frustrating for sure. And her team is saying it, and they’re all screaming foul, but the refs, I don’t know what’s going on why they can’t hear it.
“And I know I have the mismatch, especially we were talking about matchups. So, when I do switch on the post, and I’m a lot stronger than the opponent, I should be able to turn, and they’re calling offensive foul, but I’m getting pushed before that. … It definitely shifted when we went up 2-1, and things shifted, and I don’t know what happened, but it definitely took a big turn.”
On Monday, Reese finished with seven points, 15 rebounds and five assists on 2-for-8 shooting in 33 minutes. In the Game 4 loss, she had eight points on 2-for-12 shooting and six turnovers.
Game 6 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Thursday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Should the Dream win, Game 7 will be played on Saturday in San Francisco.
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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
