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SAN FRANCISCO – Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko’s facial expression never changed as he watched Angel Reese warm up for Game 2 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries.  

The newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year Reese practiced her shot all around the court, and Smesko’s lips stayed in the same straight line as his eyebrows maintained a furrowed focus from the baseline under the basket. 

Her gaze never seemed to make its way toward her coach. Viewing Reese’s pregame routine is what Smesko has always done, and she was focused on the rim.

When Reese finally looked at Smesko, in one of the final private moments before tipoff, her facial expression foreshadowed the historic stat to come in the Dream’s 79-65 win over the Valkyries Monday, Oct. 19, at Chase Center. 

”Going into the locker room, the first person I made eye contact with was Angel, and I'm like, ‘Oh I like this look. I like this look,’” Smesko said. “She was just fantastic, on both ends of the floor. Just a superior performance.” 

Reese posted a 30-point, 16-rebound double-double to fuel the Dream’s first Finals victory across four series in franchise history. The performance evened the series 1-1 after the Atlanta fell 68-64 in Game 1, where Reese didn't score at all in the second half and took three shots in the final 26 minutes. 

Monday, she already had 15 points in her first 16 minutes in the game. 

“I let the team down last game,” Reese said. “So I just wanted to make sure I came out tonight and left my mark and did whatever I could to get the win. And I think I did that.”  

When asked what changed in Game 2, Reese had an easy answer:  “I was hungry. We wanted one and we felt like we let one slip away.” 

More: Angel Reese double-double helps Dream even WNBA Finals vs. Valkyries: Highlights

Reese’s energy is unmatched

At 24 years old, Reese entered Monday’s game as the youngest player in the Dream’s starting lineup and came out of it as the youngest player to record 30 points and 15 rebounds in a WNBA postseason game in league history. 

Reese joined Jonquel Jones, Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson as the only players to accomplish such a feat – doing so just days after Stewart and Jones encouraged Reese to “Go get it.. Keep going and keep pushing,” despite being on the wrong end for the Dream’s sweep of the New York Liberty in the semifinals, Reese said. 

This is the impact Dream guard Rhyne Howard imagined when Reese arrived to the team via a trade from the Chicago Sky this offseason. 

“She's going to be the youngest to set a lot of these records with just how good of a player she is and still being in her third season,” Howard told USA TODAY after the win. “Seeing her come out tonight, she had a completely different mindset. Nobody was satisfied with the outcome of Game 1.

"She came out and she really set the tone and we followed her lead.” 

Howard, who set a WNBA Finals single-game record with six steals Monday night, wasn’t the only Dream players to say the team goes as Reese goes. 

From Reese’s signature chest bumps to encouraging punches after good plays, Howard described Reese as less talk and more action. But that doesn’t mean Reese is afraid to use her words. 

In the third quarter of Game 2, Reese stomped on the court and walked back on defense after her calls for the ball weren’t met with a pass. A few minutes later, she yelled “give me the (expletive) ball!” multiple times in transition. 

That didn’t bother Atlanta point guard Jordin Canada, who finished with 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.

"Angel is such a generational talent, just to see her thrive in the Finals has been really special to watch," Canada said. "You can just see that she wants it really bad. We feed off her energy."

More: WNBA Finals winners and losers include Angel Reese's tenacity, Valkyries' starters

Reese breaks Valkyries game plan 

There was a frenzied glint in Reese’s eyes as she went in takeover mode against the WNBA's best defense in front of what many players have described as the league's loudest fan base. 

It was a reminder of what has earned Reese her “Loco Cinco” nickname, although it’s a less popular one than her many “Barbie” monikers. 

More known for basketball insanity is Valkyries Natalie Nakase, who seemed woefully aware Reese’s dominance was looming before Monday’s game even began. 

When Nakase was reminded in her pregame interview with reporters that Reese came out of Game 1 saying she needed to be more aggressive, the Valkyries coach was asked how her team could defend a determined Reese without fouling. 

“Don’t let her touch it,” Nakase said, eventually laughing.

"She’s a tough coverage, even when she has the ball. She just drives with force. So it’s just taking away the shot that she wants… I’m looking forward to our four best quarters of defense. It will be, today.” 

Under Nakase’s breath, the words “it better be,” came out almost like a prayer. One that went unanswered.

For Valkyries center Kiah Stokes, it wasn’t hard to pinpoint how Reese — who shot 10-of-16 from the field and 9-of-11 from the field —  broke the Valkyries’ game plan. 

“She does a great job of taking advantage of mismatches. She just has a great motor. She works really hard. She makes it difficult not to foul her. She can finish with her right and her left hand,” Stokes said of Reese. “So we  really just got to get back to the drawing board and see what else we can come up with.” 

Game 3, when it tips off Wednesday at State Farm Arena an Atlanta, will tell how much the Valkyries defensive adjustments will matter if Reese simply decides once again she’s not losing.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Angel Reese said she let Dream down. Her Game 2 response was historic

It’s never too early to start looking toward next year. Especially with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ offseason officially underway.

Here’s a way-too-early 2027 Opening Day lineup prediction for the Pirates at the end of October. (This lineup prediction assumes Pittsburgh will see a right-hander for the first game of next season and that everyone is healthy for the first game of the season.)

Way-Too-Early Pirates 2027 Opening Day Lineup Prediction

• Konnor Griffin - SS
• Bryan Reynolds - LF
• Oneil Cruz - CF
• Ryan O’Hearn - DH
• Esmerlyn Valdez - RF
• Spencer Horwitz - 1B
• Rafael Flores - C
• Jacob Gonzalez - 3B
• Nick Gonzales - 2B

Jun 29, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) celebrates win with shortstop Jared Triolo (19) and right fielder Billy Cook (25) against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

At this point, there’s no reason to believe that Pittsburgh’s starting lineup will look drastically different from the starting nine Don Kelly used for the majority of the 2026 season.

With Pittsburgh’s young core in place, the front office will likely rely on development and growth to lead the charge next season, whether that’s the best game plan or not.

With that in mind, let’s break down this potential starting lineup.

Starting at the top, Konnor Griffin settled in nicely at the top of the lineup as his rookie season carried on. He had a .742 in 112 at-bats batting first, and a .818 in 80 at-bats leading off in an inning in his first big-league season.

From there, Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz are Pittsburgh’s next best hitters and give the Pirates some balance in their lineup, too.

Rafael Flores deserves to be the Opening Day starter after his .858 OPS season, albeit with some questionable defense. Ryan O’Hearn had a solid first season in Pittsburgh and can play first base, right field, and DH as needed.

This is where things get interesting for the Pirates.

For one, the one player not mentioned here, of course, is Brandon Lowe, Pittsburgh’s best player from the 026 season, who is set to hit free agency. The front office has made a lot of surprising news over the last calendar year, but they still haven’t shown the willingness to hand out a long-term contract.

Lowe will be looking for a massive payday after a career year as he enters his age-32 season. With Pittsburgh historically not giving out contracts of this caliber, it’s hard to see it happening until proven otherwise.

If Lowe doesn’t return to Pittsburgh, that opens up several options for the Pirates across the diamond. Nick Gonzales makes the most sense as the starter there. Jared Triolo could be an option, too. Both of these players could also be an option at the hot corner, too.

While this prediction may not be the most exciting in terms of any big offseason moves, it’s certainly realistic, considering how the Pirates have operated over the last decade.

The Vancouver Canucks (2-7-1) return home from a six-game road trip on Tuesday as they battle the Carolina Hurricanes (7-2-1). This will be the second and final meeting between these two teams, with the Hurricanes picking up a 7-2 victory earlier this year. For the Canucks, their focus will be on snapping the current losing streak, which, heading into Tuesday, sits at seven games.

Vancouver needs to be on their A-game if they want to snap their losing streak on Tuesday. That means finishing their checks and not allowing Carolina extended shifts in the offensive zone. If the Canucks get caught puck-watching, the Hurricanes will find ways to make them pay on the scoreboard. 

Tuesday will also serve as a chance to remember former colour commentator John Garrett, who passed away earlier this year. As per the team, players will be wearing special shirts pre-game while a special presentation is scheduled at some point in the evening. Garrett was beloved in the city as well as across the league and will be remembered by fans for years to come. 

Players To Watch:

Jonathan Lekkerimäki: 

Through 10 games, Jonathan Lekkerimäki looks like a completely different player than he did last year. He is stronger on pucks and is looking more confident at both ends of the ice. The next stage of Lekkerimäki's development will be getting more pucks on net, as when he gets his wrist shot off, he can do some damage on the scoresheet. 

Jalen Chatfield:

Jalen Chatfield has developed into one of Carolina's most trusted defenders. The 30-year-old has three points in 10 games so far this year, but is averaging 20:28 of ice time per night. If Chatfield keeps putting together strong performances, he could be looking at a massive pay raise this off-season. 

Vancouver Canucks (2–7–1): 

Points: 

Elias Pettersson: 3–7–10

Paul Cotter: 4–3–7

Brock Boeser: 2–5–7

Linus Karlsson: 2-5-7

Jonathan Lekkerimäki: 2-4-6

Goaltenders: 

Kevin Lankinen: 1–6–0

Leevi Meriläinen: 1–1–1

Carolina Hurricanes (7-2-1)

Points:

Sebastian Aho: 6-8-14

Andrei Svechnikov: 6-5-11

Jackson Blake: 1-7-8

Mark Jankowski: 6-1-7

Shayne Gostisbehere: 2-5-7

Goaltenders: 

Pyotr Kochetkov: 5-0-0

Brandon Bussi: 2-2-1

Game Information: 

Start time: 7:00 pm PT 

Venue: Rogers Arena

Television: Sportsnet

Radio: KiSS West Coast 

Oct 8, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Mike Reilly (6) checks Vancouver Canucks left wing Drew O'Connor (18) during the third period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

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BUIES CREEK — No. 16 Campbell’s defense stopped Towson on its final four possessions, and De’Von Thomas rushed for two touchdowns as the Fighting Camels held on for a 24-20 Homecoming victory Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium.

The Camels improved to 6-1 overall, matching the best start in program history, set in 2019, and equaling the school’s single-season record for victories, achieved in 2011, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Campbell also improved to 3-0 in Coastal Athletic Association play and remained unbeaten against FCS opponents this season. Its six victories over FCS opponents are the most in program history.

Towson fell to 0-8 overall and 0-4 in conference play.

The Tigers led 13-10 at halftime behind touchdowns from Xavier Pugh and CJ Schaeffer. Pugh rushed for 60 yards on seven carries in the first half, while quarterback Jacob Davis completed 11 of 16 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown.

Towson gained 282 yards of total offense in the first half, including 120 rushing yards, but Campbell’s defense tightened after halftime.

The Camels limited the Tigers to 160 total yards and 65 rushing yards in the second half. Campbell held its opponent scoreless in the fourth quarter for the fourth time in its last five games.

Kaleb Simpkins intercepted Davis on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, helping spark Campbell’s comeback.

Quarterback Kamden Sixkiller connected with Jyron Waiters on a 22-yard touchdown pass to give the Camels a 17-13 lead.

Towson answered with an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive, capped by a Davis touchdown run, to regain the lead at 20-17.

Campbell responded with an eight-play, 71-yard drive, ending with Thomas’ second rushing touchdown of the game. The score put the Camels ahead 24-20 with 4:54 remaining in the third quarter.

The Tigers threatened again on their next possession, driving 67 yards to the Campbell 8-yard line. However, a 26-yard field goal attempt struck the right upright, preserving the Camels’ four-point advantage.

Campbell’s defense then limited Towson to 46 yards on its final three possessions, forcing two punts and a turnover on downs with 1:25 remaining.

Sixkiller completed 20 of 30 passes with one touchdown and added 24 rushing yards.

Thomas rushed for 28 yards on seven carries and scored twice, marking his third consecutive game and fourth overall this season with two rushing touchdowns.

Chinua Ezeigbo led Campbell’s receivers with five catches for 68 yards, while Waiters caught three passes for 43 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, O’Marion Lewis recorded a season-high 13 tackles and a pass breakup. Simpkins added a season-best 10 tackles and an interception, while Jordan Jones finished with seven tackles.

Davis led Towson with 257 passing yards, completing 23 of 39 attempts with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown.

Pugh finished with 75 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, while Cleveland Charlton caught six passes for a game-high 88 yards.

Seth Chestnut led the Tigers with eight tackles, including one for loss, while Myles Johnson added seven tackles and an interception.

Campbell will travel to Maine on Saturday, Oct. 24, for a 1 p.m. kickoff before visiting UAlbany on Oct. 31.

The Camels will return to Barker-Lane Stadium to face Stony Brook on Nov. 7 and Monmouth on Nov. 21.

The Lee Christian Falcons captured the NCISAA Mid-Carolina Conference volleyball championship with a four-set victory over Crossroads Christian, completing an undefeated run through conference play.

After falling short against Cape Fear Christian Academy last season, the Falcons finished 6-0 in conference play and claimed the championship with a 21-25, 25-23, 25-18, 27-25 victory over the Colts. Crossroads Christian took the opening set 25-21, but Lee Christian responded in a closely contested second set. The Falcons held off a late rally to win 25-23 and even the match at one set apiece.

Lee Christian carried that momentum into the third set, taking control and securing a 25-18 victory to move ahead 2-1.

The Colts battled to extend the match in the fourth set, pushing the Falcons beyond the regulation 25-point mark. Lee Christian prevailed 27-25 to secure the conference championship.

The Falcons also collected several individual honors.

Alayna Moore, Kennah Smith and Annika Harris earned all-conference recognition, while Kayce Deese received honorable mention.

Harris was named conference Player of the Year, and Lee Christian head coach Elissa Neal earned Coach of the Year honors.

Moore, Smith and Harris were selected to the all-tournament team, with Harris also earning tournament Most Valuable Player honors.

Lee Christian now turns its attention to the NCISAA state volleyball playoffs.

The Falcons earned the No. 3 overall seed and a double bye in the state tournament. They will play their first playoff match Oct. 24, with the opponent and game time to be determined.