Angel Reese Turned Heads For How She Arrived at WNBA Finals Game 5 Against the Valkyries

Angel Reese has never shied away from making a statement before stepping onto the basketball floor, and her arrival at Game 5 of the WNBA finals was no different. But this time, it wasn’t about the elaborate and glamorous outfits at the tunnel, instead a more casual outfit that carried a message of its own.

“Locked all the way in ,” the WNBA’s account posted to X, showcasing Reese’s outfit.

“Angel Reese arrives for Game 5 of the #2026WNBAFinals with one goal on the mind: win.”

Reese arrived at the game wearing an all-black outfit, featuring wide pants and a shirt with the words “Protect Black Women” in bold yellow on the front, along with flip-flops and an orange Tux Clutch Mini bag.

It was a big change from her elaborate tunnel outfits before the previous four Finals games, and an exit for the asymmetrical gowns and crop tops.

Reese was looking to bounce back from a poor shooting performance in Game 4. In the Dream’s 67-62 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, Reese logged eight points and nine rebounds, shooting just 2-for-12 from the field. After the game, she took responsibility for the loss and hoped to bounce back in Game 5.

“I think it was me, I think I rushed a lot on my shots, and I didn’t take my time and finish around the basket like I’ve been doing the last three games,” Reese told reporters at the postgame conference.

“It happens, and I’m just looking forward to the next game and just do it.”

But it proved to be in vain as the Valkyries extended their series lead to 3-2 with a 64-55 win over Atlanta. In their losing effort, Angel Reese went 2-for-8 from the field, with 15 rebounds (5 offensive, 10 defensive), scoring 7 points and 5 assists.

Fans React to Angel Reese’s Game 5 Arrival

Fans quickly took to the comments to react to Reese’s outfit, with the post quickly spreading across social media. Many fans appreciated the simpler look, with some hoping that it would bring with it a focus on winning the game.

“She came basic tonight. Hopefully that means she ain’t wit the BS,” one fan wrote, hoping that the largely understated outfit suggested a businesslike approach.

Another supporter focused on the bag, highlighting it in their comment: “@WoodsbyJordyn bag better bring us the luck we need to get this win Go ATL .”

The bag itself belongs to model Jordyn Woods, who wore it throughout the New York Knicks’ dominant run to the NBA Finals last season in support of her then-fiancé Karl-Anthony Towns. It seems like Reese is trying to bring some of that luck to Atlanta.

The message on Reese’s shirt also resonated with fans, with one fan writing “Angel that GURL and yes Protect Black Woman .”

Another such user was more subtle in their praise, simply commenting, “love the shirt.”

Finally, many saw the subdued and simple look for Reese tonight as a sign of a big upcoming performance.

“She finna go tf off,” one fan predicted.

Ultimately, Reese finished with another poor shooting night as the Dream came up short 64-55 in Game 5. Now, they will look to fight off elimination in Game 6.

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