Sabrina Ionescu hit the floor, then got up and shoved Isobel Borlase. Before the situation could grow, Angel Reese was already there. In the first half of Game 3, Ionescu took a physical play from the Atlanta rookie, then retaliated on the next possession while Borlase defended Marine Fauthoux. The cameras caught Reese stepping in within seconds, and her message to her 22-year-old teammate was loud and clear.

Born and raised in Australia, Borlase started her career in the WNBL and sits at the top of the league as the reigning MVP. In her first year in the WNBA, she has played a crucial part in helping her team reach the Finals. With the Dream hoping to bring home the maiden title, Reese recognizes how important the Aussie rookie would be for the team in their answer to the Golden State Valkyries, and hyped her up with a big message. 

“She is the WNBL MVP for a reason, and I kept reminding her about that,” Reese told reporters after the Dream’s practice on Thursday. “‘Be who you are. Don’t shy away from who you are. We got your back. Even if you mess up, we got your back.’ She is going to be big in this series.”

You see, Borlase is not a usual rookie. She has represented her country on an international level and has faced tough opponents in Australia. Born to pro-athlete parents, she has experienced competition up close, and perhaps that’s what Reese was reminding her…to be who she is when she is in her element in Australia. 

“To be 22 years old and come to this country, come to Atlanta and just thrive and be super confident- she has just helped us all year. We told her how important the bench is gonna be. It’s no different from her playing overseas,” Reese added. 

During the regular season, Borlase played all 44 games and came off the bench in 43 contests. She averaged 4.8 points and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 43.3% from the field and 32.4% from the 3-point line. 

But once the playoffs arrived, as if she was made for those moments, Borlase unlocked her best. Her numbers shot up, and so did her shooting. After two series, she has averaged 5.6 points and 1.8 rebounds while she shot 55.0% from the field and 42.9% from the 3-point line. 

Her performance in the semifinals received big praise from her head coach, Karl Smesko.

“I don’t think we win Game 2 or 3 without Izzy,” Smesko said. “That’s how important her contributions were. She came in, and she made a positive impact toward winning in both games. She was ready when she received the opportunity for more minutes. So we’re really excited that she keeps that rolling into the Finals.”

In Game 2, the Dream outlasted the Liberty in overtime. Borlase scored 11 points and shot 60.0% from the 3-point line. The Dream got tough competition from the Liberty at Barclays Center, and Smesko showed confidence in his rookie. Borlase was part of the Dream’s tense second half and delivered under pressure. Borlase scored 10 points, got 2 steals, and shot 83.3% from the field. 

Again, Borlase is not your usual rookie, and Smesko knew that already. 

“That was really good on her part,” Smesko explained. “She understands it’s playoff basketball and that things are going to get a little physical, and she didn’t lose her composure and just moved on to the next play.”

Now that Atlanta faces the last, and perhaps the toughest, challenge of their championship dream, they know how crucial Borlase will be again against the Valkyries. She is their biggest hope to counter the team with the best bench in the league.