The first WNBA meeting between former LSU teammates Flau’jae Johnson and Angel Reese came with a bit of drama nobody saw coming during the handshake line.
Johnson dropped 24 points and 11 rebounds in Seattle’s 105-90 win over Atlanta on Saturday night. She played like someone who wanted to send a message to her old college running mate. With about a minute left, Johnson went over to Reese for a handshake. Reese didn’t take it. At least not right away.
Video of the moment spread fast on social media. Johnson extended her hand. Reese looked past her. The clip ended before any resolution, but the tension was clear enough.
Two Tigers, Two Different WNBA Paths
Johnson and Reese won a national championship together at LSU in 2023. They were a dominant duo in college, running through the SEC and cutting down nets. But the pros split them up. Reese is in year three, now on her second team after leaving Chicago for Atlanta. Johnson is a rookie finding her way with Seattle.
Friday night was the first time they faced each other as professionals. Johnson got the win and the stats. Reese’s Dream fell to 7-13 on the season.
It’s not unusual for former college teammates to have chilly moments once they’re on opposite sides. Competition brings out a different edge. Johnson didn’t seem bothered by the snub afterward. She let her game do the talking.
A Big Night for the Storm
Five Seattle players scored in double figures. Awa Fam led everyone with 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting, including 5-of-6 from three. Natisha Hiedeman added 20 points and six assists. Dominique Malonga pulled down 11 rebounds to go with 16 points. Jade Melbourne chipped in 10 points and five assists.
The win moved Seattle to 5-15, still dead last in the Western Conference. They’re behind Phoenix and Portland right now. The Storm head back on the road July 2 to face the Mercury at 10 p.m. ET.
As for Reese and Johnson, expect the handshake drama to follow them. They’ll meet again this season. These games are going to matter more as both teams try to climb the standings. And if Johnson keeps playing like this, those postgame moments might get even more interesting.
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