Reese scores 11 in opening quarter as Dream lose Game 1

Angel Reese scored 11 points in the opening quarter of the Atlanta Dream’s WNBA Finals Game 1 against the Golden State Valkyries, but Atlanta lost 68-64 after its early offensive production faded. Two days later, a report described a heated exchange between Reese and Golden State’s Aminata Gueye during Game 2, followed by Reese blocking Gueye’s shot. That account was not independently corroborated in the material reviewed. Reese finished Game 1 with 14 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and a block. After scoring 14 points in the first half, she went scoreless in the second and attempted three shots after halftime, according to the game account. She also had five fouls and four turnovers. WNBA Communications said Reese became the fifth player in league history to score at least 11 points while shooting better than 80% in the opening quarter of a Finals game. The milestone came as she scored nine of Atlanta’s 11 points in the period, including six consecutive points. Reese accepted responsibility for her reduced offensive involvement after the loss, saying she had not been aggressive enough and would do better in Game 2. Atlanta coach Karl Smesko also cited the team’s ball...