Atlanta Dream fans were quick to assign blame to Karl Smesko for Friday’s 78-75 loss against the Golden State Valkyries, primarily calling out Angel Reese’s lengthy fourth-quarter absence. Smesko kept Reese on the bench for three minutes between the six-minute and three-minute mark.
It was a one-possession game throughout that stretch, with Atlanta in the lead. However, Dream fans felt that if Reese were in the game, the Dream would have been able to stretch the lead, as she has made clutch plays this year.
One X user tweeted during Reese’s absence, pointing out that Smesko should have kept her because of Kiah Stokes, who had seven blocks and had just swatted a shot from Te-Hina Paopao.
“Stokes just blocked Pao Pao. Karl not having Angel and Madina on the floor at the same time is asinine,” the fan wrote.
More reactions followed:
Angel Reese finishes with career-high mark in loss
Angel Reese had a solid game individually on both ends of the floor. The All-Star forward tallied 15 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high six steals. She also became the 14th player in WNBA history to record at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals multiple times.
Reese’s disruptive play was one of the key reasons Atlanta was in the game. However, her lack of touches in the fourth quarter may have kept the Dream from avoiding a second consecutive loss to the Golden State Valkyries after losing 77-66 in Wednesday’s matchup.
The Dream also endured a rough outing from Rhyne Howard, who shot 2-for-16, scoring only nine points. Allisha Gray also had a forgettable outing with 14 points on 38.5% shooting.
Nevertheless, Jordin Canada’s 23 points kept the Dream’s backcourt afloat. The Dream will hope to avoid a third straight loss in Saturday’s back-to-back against the rebuilding Seattle Storm. Reese will meet her former college teammate, Flau’jae Johnson, in that contest.
Read more:
- Kamilla Cardoso Credits Dawn Staley’s Halftime Text After Making WNBA History
- Dream HC Karl Smesko Takes Steps to Address Angel Reese’s Travelling Violation Calls
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