‘Future MVP,’ ‘Finals Appearance Before Caitlin Clark’ — Angel Reese Draws Major Praise As Clutch Performance Moves Dream 1 Win From WNBA Finals

Angel Reese has given the Atlanta Dream plenty of reasons to believe this could be their year. The recently named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year has carried her regular-season form into the playoffs, helping Atlanta build momentum at just the right time.

Reese came through again on Wednesday in a tight battle against the New York Liberty. WNBA fans had plenty to say about her performance, particularly how she handled the pressure late in the game.

Angel Reese Earns WNBA Fans' Praise After Delivering in Overtime Against Liberty

Atlanta pulled off a 101-98 overtime win against the New York Liberty in Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals, with Reese putting up 23 points and 7 rebounds. She also had 2 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal, going 8-for-16 and hitting 1 of 2 attempts from beyond the arc. The Dream now lead 2-0 and need just one more win to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013.

The three-time All-Star scored six of Atlanta's 13 overtime points and knocked down two clutch free throws with 4.3 seconds remaining to help seal the victory. Naz Hillmon had put the Dream ahead with a layup at the 20.8-second mark before Reese helped finish the job. Atlanta now heads to New York for Game 3 on Friday with a chance to secure its place in the championship series.

Reese's showing against New York drew plenty of reactions from WNBA fans, with some already making bold predictions about her future in the league.

"She's about to sweep the Liberty, but she isn't good right? Future MVP candidate," a YouTuber wrote .

"Reese finals appearance before Caitlin Clark," a sports fan added .

Reese's postseason success has also fueled comparisons with other prominent basketball stars. Some fans have focused on how quickly she has found herself competing for a championship appearance, while others have pointed to her improvement from one playoff game to the next.

"Angel Reese has increased her scoring in every playoff game of her career so far," Real App posted .

"Angel Reese ring before Luka [Dončić]," one fan remarked .

The comparisons continued beyond the WNBA, with another fan bringing Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid into the conversation.

"Angel gonna make a finals before Embiid conference finals," a WNBA supporter predicted .

Still, there was also recognition of what Reese actually did on the court, particularly when the game tightened in overtime.

"Angel Reese, man. Her poise and IQ in that overtime was absolutely insane," another tweeted .

StatMuse joined the conversation with a comparison of Reese's and Clark's postseason success.

"Career win percentage in the playoffs: 100% – Angel Reese 20% – Caitlin Clark."

Reese's growing playoff reputation is backed by her production. She has scored more points in each of her four postseason appearances, going from 13 in her playoff debut to 15, 17, and now 23. More importantly for Atlanta, she has kept the Dream unbeaten.

The comparisons and individual predictions can wait. Atlanta still needs another win, and New York has a chance to respond on its home floor. Reese, though, has already shown she can handle a high-pressure playoff finish. One more victory would put her and the Dream on the WNBA's biggest stage.