Days after her snub as a WNBA All-Star starter, Angel Reese has finally gotten her props. The Atlanta forward has been selected as a reserve for the upcoming All-Star game, marking her third selection in this touted event. Now, right after her selection as a reserve, Reese has shared an emotional message to express her gratitude.

“To be loved & celebrated🥺🫂,” her message read, which she shared on her X handle.

Reese’s All-Star selection was received equally well by the Atlanta Dream franchise. The team celebrated their three All-Star selections: Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Reese in the gym as well. In a post shared by the Dream’s X handle, the players can be seen donning All-Star-themed t-shirts while recognizing this special feat of their peers.

The Atlanta forward responded to the franchise and her teammate’s gesture, sharing another message on her X handle. “Thank you God, for bringing me to Atlanta🥺♥️🙏🏽” the post read.

Behind Reese, Howard, and Gray, this is the fifth time for the Atlanta Dream that three of their players are in the All-Star game roster in the same season. After the final voting results came out, Reese was agonizingly close to being selected as a starter as well.

She finished sixth in each of the players, fans, and media voting categories, finishing seventh among the frontcourt players overall in weighted score. Meanwhile, just the top six frontcourt players would have gotten a place in the All-Star game’s starting lineup.

Atlanta head coach Karl Smesko had expressed his frustration with Reese, Howard, and Gray’s snub as an All-Star starter a few days back as well.

“It’s really disappointing. … We had three players who were so close to making it. I felt deserving of being starters by the merit of the play,” Smesko had said, as per analyst Wilton C. Jackson II.

Smesko’s assessment is backed to the hilt, though. Reese’s numbers clearly reflect the stellar season that she is having with her new franchise. As per ESPN, the Atlanta forward is averaging a career-high 14.9 points per game.

It indicated the growth Angel Reese has had on the offensive end since joining the Atlanta Dream. Additionally, Reese is currently leading the league in rebounds- 11.8 per game as per WNBA.com. Furthermore, Reese has been equally good on defense this season, averaging 1.6 steals per game.

Thus, from a statistical perspective, Reese has undoubtedly been one of the best frontcourt players in the season. As Smesko feels, these numbers are enough to push for an All-Star starter narrative. But the rankings let her down big time in the pecking order.

Nevertheless, the Bayou Barbie will be seen at the All-Star Game later this month, on July 25, at the United Center in Chicago. This selection allows Reese to continue her streak for three All-Star selections in her first three seasons.

Other formidable frontcourt players who are selected alongside Reese in the reserves include Nneka Ogwumike and Jonquel Jones.