Overview
- Seattle defeated Atlanta 105-90 on Saturday, with rookie Flau'jae Johnson scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds while Angel Reese finished with 17 points and nine rebounds.
- With about 1:20 left in the game Johnson extended a handshake to Reese and Reese walked past her, a moment captured by ESPN that quickly went viral.
- Television broadcasters flagged the exchange on-air and many analysts argued that players usually exchange pleasantries only after the final buzzer, which some said explains Reese’s reaction.
- Johnson’s game continued a hot stretch for the rookie and put her in elite company for freshmen who have posted 50-plus points and 20-plus rebounds across a two-game span.
- The pair were teammates at LSU but have said they are no longer close, and their next WNBA meeting is scheduled for July 9, a matchup that is likely to draw renewed attention to both players and the sportsmanship debate.