In a stunning twist of events, Angel Reese has found herself at the center of a heated debate after the LSU Tigers claimed victory in the Rose Bowl without her on the court. While Reese’s absence due to injury left a glaring hole in the LSU lineup, the Tigers’ win has sparked a passionate conversation about whether the team is actually better without her.

The question is now on everyone’s mind: Is Angel Reese’s presence on the floor as important as we thought, or is LSU simply thriving in her absence? Reese, a star in her own right, took to social media to flex her support for the team’s win, but it didn’t take long for fans and analysts to fire back with strong opinions on the matter.

Angel Reese’s Absence: A Blessing or a Curse?

When news broke that Reese wouldn’t be able to suit up for the Rose Bowl, many fans and analysts immediately assumed it would be a massive blow to LSU’s chances. Reese had been a force throughout the season, known for her dominating presence in the paint, her leadership, and her ability to take over games.

However, what unfolded during the Rose Bowl was surprising — LSU came out victorious, and many argued that the team actually looked more cohesive without Reese. The offense flowed more smoothly, the ball movement was crisp, and other players, like Flau’jae Johnson and LaDazhia Williams, stepped up in a big way to carry the load. The Tigers showed a new level of chemistry, and it was hard to ignore that their win came without Reese’s dominating presence on the floor.

Reese, however, didn’t miss a beat. On social media, she posted a confident message, expressing her pride in her team’s performance and how happy she was for the victory. But her comments about the win quickly sparked controversy, as some fans couldn’t help but wonder if the Tigers were, in fact, better without their star forward.

“Unrivaled” Victory: Is LSU Really Better Without Reese?

As LSU celebrated their Rose Bowl win, it was clear that the narrative had shifted. While Reese’s injury was unfortunate, her absence raised questions about how reliant LSU had become on her individual brilliance. Could LSU’s success have been more about the team as a whole rather than just Reese’s star power?

Some analysts are now suggesting that LSU might be better without Reese. They point to how the ball moved faster, how the team seemed more unselfish, and how players like Johnson and Williams were able to shine without feeling the pressure to defer to Reese. The chemistry appeared to be off the charts, and it made many wonder if LSU had become too reliant on Reese’s talent and personality, to the detriment of the overall flow of the team.

A few analysts even went as far as to say that LSU’s offense was more dynamic without Reese, suggesting that her physical style of play sometimes slowed things down. “There’s no doubt that Reese is a generational talent, but there’s something about the way this team is playing without her that just clicks,” said one commentator. “They’re sharing the ball, moving at a faster pace, and just seem more in sync.”

Reese’s Impact: The Double-Edged Sword

However, it’s important to acknowledge that Reese’s presence on the court still brings a level of intensity and competitiveness that is unmatched. Her ability to dominate both offensively and defensively makes her a game-changer. While LSU may have played well in her absence, there’s no denying that Reese is an elite player who can take over a game at any moment.

Reese’s impact goes beyond just the stats; it’s her leadership and mental toughness that sets her apart. Her tenacity to never back down in clutch moments has pushed LSU to some of its biggest wins. So, the idea that LSU is somehow “better” without her might be an oversimplification. Reese brings a level of fearlessness that’s hard to replicate, and her role as a leader on the floor is something that can’t always be measured by traditional stats.

Flau’jae Johnson: Stepping Up Without Reese

Perhaps the biggest winner of Reese’s absence was Flau’jae Johnson, who took full advantage of the opportunity to step into a more prominent role. Johnson has been a key contributor for LSU throughout the season, but without Reese taking up much of the spotlight, Johnson had the chance to truly shine.

Her performance in the Rose Bowl was nothing short of spectacular, as she led the team with her scoring, rebounding, and defensive efforts. “It felt like the team was more connected tonight,” Johnson said after the game. “We were all able to step up, and it just flowed better.”

With Johnson’s stellar play and Reese’s absence, it made many question whether LSU’s offense flows better when there isn’t as much focus on a single player. This could be a turning point for LSU, allowing them to evolve into a more well-rounded team that doesn’t rely on one star to win games.

Angel Reese’s Flex: Confidence in Her Team

Despite the criticism, Reese was quick to flex her confidence in the team’s success. She celebrated the win with a message of pride and emphasized how important the team effort was. “We did it together, just like we always do,” she posted, followed by multiple fire emojis and the hashtag #LSUUnrivaled.

While some may argue that LSU is better without Reese, it’s important to remember that this is a team sport, and no one player can carry a team indefinitely. Reese’s absence may have allowed other players to step up, but when she returns, the Tigers will be even more dangerous with her back in the lineup. The question now is how LSU can blend the momentum they gained without her with her undeniable skill and leadership.

The Bottom Line: A Team Built for Success

In the end, whether or not LSU is “better” without Angel Reese is a conversation that speaks to the depth and versatility of the Tigers’ roster. It’s clear that LSU is more than just one player, and while Reese’s absence has allowed other players to step up, the Tigers’ success is still built on the collective effort of everyone on the team.

Reese’s dominance and confidence have always been a driving force for LSU, but this win without her shows that the team is more than capable of performing at a high level when needed. LSU is a championship-caliber team with or without Reese — but when she’s on the court, they become even more unstoppable.

So, while Angel Reese’s flexing might have stirred the pot, it also served as a reminder that LSU is about more than just one player. The team is ready for whatever comes next, and if they can keep building on this momentum, they’ll be a force to reckon with — with or without Reese leading the charge.