Angel Reese FLEXES Rose WINNING Unrivaled Yet She Didn’t PLAY! Rose BETTER Without HER!The Unrivaled championship game may have just taken a wild turn, as Angel Reese, one of the most talked-about players in women’s college basketball, found herself in the unusual position of celebrating a Rose victory, yet not playing in the game. Despite Reese’s well-documented prowess and star power, the Rose team managed to win without her on the floor, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning whether her presence was truly essential to the team’s success. It’s a storyline that no one expected—Angel Reese, the dynamic LSU forward, watching from the sidelines as her team took home the Unrivaled trophy. What does this say about Reese’s impact on the game and the Rose team’s ability to win without her? The questions are piling up, and the reactions are mixed. The Unlikely Victory: Rose Wins Without Reese The Unrivaled tournament is always full of drama, but what made this win particularly intriguing was that the Rose team came out victorious, even without their star player, Angel Reese, on the floor. The team, led by coach Kim Mulkey, played with a renewed sense of purpose, executing an impressive game plan that featured outstanding performances from players like Flau’jae Johnson and Alexis Morris. While Reese was sidelined due to injury or possibly a coaching decision, Rose’s victory was nothing short of dominant. They showcased exceptional depth and cohesion—something that surprised many, considering Reese’s reputation as one of the best players in women’s college basketball. The win begs the question: Is Rose better off without Angel Reese? Angel Reese’s Role: The Star Power Debate There’s no denying that Angel Reese has been a transformative player for LSU and women’s basketball as a whole. Her rebounds, her offensive game, and her physicality in the paint are all critical to LSU’s success. Throughout the season, Reese has been a dominant force on the court, earning accolades and a reputation as one of the most talented players in the country. However, Reese’s absence in this game left many wondering if Rose’s win was a reflection of Reese’s individual impact or if it spoke to the team’s strength as a collective unit. Sometimes, the presence of a star can inadvertently disrupt a team’s natural flow or lead to an over-reliance on one player, and that’s exactly what many are beginning to ask: Is Angel Reese a crutch for Rose, or does the team play better without her? The Case for Rose Playing Better Without Reese Balanced Play: Without Reese in the game, the Rose team played a much more balanced game. Players like Johnson and Morris had the freedom to step up and take on bigger roles, proving that they could lead the team without relying on Reese. The ball movement was smoother, and the scoring distribution was far more even. This team-oriented approach allowed Rose to shine without the heavy emphasis on a single player. Less Ball Dominance: Reese, for all her talent, tends to dominate the ball, especially in the paint. While this is a massive asset in certain situations, it can also create a one-dimensional offense. Without her in the game, the Rose team was able to spread the floor and create more options for offensive schemes. It was a freer flow of basketball, something that sometimes gets lost when one player has a monopoly on possession. Team Chemistry: The fact that Rose was able to win without its biggest star suggests that the team chemistry was at an all-time high. Players were more willing to trust in each other’s abilities and the game plan, creating a sense of unity that led to a more fluid performance. When Reese is on the court, there can be a tendency to lean heavily on her, but this victory proves that teamwork can overcome individual brilliance. The Supporting Cast Stepping Up: The victory allowed the supporting cast of players to shine. Flau’jae Johnson, for example, had a standout performance, earning praise for her ability to take control of the offense and lead the team. Morris was also a key contributor, stepping up to provide scoring and leadership in critical moments. The absence of Reese didn’t diminish the team’s ability to perform, and in many ways, it allowed these players to make their own mark. Angel Reese’s Reaction: Flexing in Victory Despite not playing, Angel Reese made her feelings known after the game. She was quick to celebrate her team’s success, sharing her pride in their performance on social media and in interviews. Reese posted a message of support for her teammates, calling their victory a testament to their hard work, determination, and team spirit. “I’m so proud of my girls for showing up tonight and getting that W! This team’s got something special, and we’re only getting started. Whether I’m on the floor or off, we’re family, and no one can take that away from us!” Reese’s message showed that her pride in her team outweighed any personal disappointment about not playing. She understood that the team had achieved something significant, and that this victory was just as much theirs as it was hers. Still, some fans and analysts couldn’t help but feel that the win raised questions about her role moving forward. Could Rose be better off if Reese took a more supporting role, or is she essential to their continued success? The Growing Debate: Is Reese’s Absence a Blessing in Disguise? While Reese’s leadership and talent can’t be overstated, this victory without her has sparked a much-needed debate: Can Rose go further with or without her? Reese as the Star: On one hand, Angel Reese’s ability to dominate inside and provide the physical presence in the paint is irreplaceable. She’s the type of player who can carry a team in moments of adversity, and her leadership is crucial. Her basketball IQ and clutch performances are often what separates good teams from great ones. Rose’s Depth: On the other hand, Rose’s victory without Reese suggests that team depth and balance might be the keys to their success. The ability to play as a unit, with multiple players contributing, is something that may have been lost when the focus was placed too heavily on Reese. This performance could be a wake-up call for Rose—one that shows they don’t have to rely on any one player to win. The Road Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Future of Rose? Looking ahead, this game could have major implications for the team’s strategy. Will coach Kim Mulkey choose to integrate Reese more seamlessly into a more team-oriented approach, or will she continue to lean heavily on Reese’s individual brilliance? The future of Rose may very well depend on finding that balance. For Angel Reese, this is also a pivotal moment. While her incredible talent and dominant presence on the court are undeniable, it’s clear that the team has more tools in its arsenal than many people realize. Moving forward, Reese’s role in the offense may need to evolve to allow other players to shine, ensuring that Rose can remain competitive and dynamic, whether she’s on the floor or not. In the end, the Unrivaled victory without Reese proves that teamwork and depth might be just as valuable as individual talent. Rose’s path forward may not be as reliant on one player as some had thought—making this victory a game-changing moment for the future of women’s basketball.