Angel Reese predicts WNBA Finals to reach fever pitch as Game 1 heads into first overtime in 3 years

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese expressed her enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter) about the thrilling WNBA Finals clash between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty. The Lynx pulled off a remarkable 95-93 overtime win on the road, outworking the Liberty to take Game 1.

The game was electric, with the Lynx overcoming an 18-point deficit to secure victory. In the last five minutes of the fourth quarter, Minnesota unleashed an 18-3 run before sealing the win in the first Game 1 overtime in the WNBA Finals in three years. Reese said about the game on X:

“Ouuu this series is about to be so good!! #WNBAFinals.”

The thrilling conclusion of the game featured a four-point play by Lynx guard Courtney Williams and several nail-biting moments. That included Breanna Stewart missing a potential game-winning free throw at the end of regulation and Napheesa Collier hitting the game-winner. Stewart missed again at the overtime buzzer.

Game 2 of the best-of-five finals is set for Sunday at the Barclays Center. Reese has the opportunity to watch the Finals, as her Sky missed the playoffs. Although the Sky were in playoff contention, they ended the season with five straight losses, ceding the final playoff spot to the Atlanta Dream. It marked the first time since 2018 that the team missed the postseason.

The Sky had a tumultuous season, dealing with injuries to Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter, as well as trading away Marina Mabrey, who has since become a key player for the Connecticut Sun. Despite the challenges, Reese made her mark.

The seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft from LSU, Reese concluded her rookie season with a league-record 26 double-doubles. Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun holds the single-season record with 28 double-doubles set in 2023.

Moreover, Reese led the WNBA in total rebounds per game (13.1) and offensive rebounds per game (5.1).

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What’s next for Angel Reese after missing the playoffs?

Looking ahead, Angel Reese is preparing to compete in the Unrivaled Basketball League, a 3-on-3 women’s league founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.

When she announced her season-ending wrist injury, Angel Reese shared her excitement about returning to women’s basketball through the Unrivaled league. She plans to use her time off for both physical and mental recovery, becoming the 10th player confirmed to join the league.

“I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break,” she said. "You’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader on the sideline! And Unrivaled league, see you soon.”

The league is set to debut in January 2025 in Miami.