In their inaugural WNBA professional face-off on Saturday evening, Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream and Flau’jae Johnson of the Seattle Storm met on the court, with the Storm securing a 105-90 victory. The post-game scene drew attention when Johnson approached Reese for a handshake, but Reese bypassed her former college teammate.
Johnson, a rookie for the Storm, was observed embracing her current teammates following the final buzzer. She then extended an arm towards Reese, but the Atlanta Dream forward continued past her without acknowledgment. While Johnson appeared to take the moment in stride, it was evident Reese was not in a celebratory mood, especially as the Dream trailed by 14 points when she exited the floor.
A Shared Championship History
Reese and Johnson share a significant history, having been integral members of the LSU Tigers' national championship squad in 2023. That season culminated in a victory over Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the national title game.
During their championship year at LSU, Reese delivered an impressive performance, averaging 23 points and 15.6 rebounds per contest. Johnson, then a freshman, also made a substantial contribution, averaging 11 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Individual Performances and Current Team Standings
In Saturday's contest, Johnson showcased a strong performance for the Storm, tallying 24 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Reese contributed 17 points and nine rebounds for the Dream.
This season, Reese's Atlanta Dream has maintained a competitive record, standing at 12-7 following their loss to Seattle, placing them fifth in the WNBA standings. Conversely, the Seattle Storm, Johnson’s team, has faced challenges in securing wins, with a current record of 5-15, positioning them near the bottom of the league.
