Angel Reese Snubs Flau’jae Johnson Handshake in Seattle Storm Victory

On June 27‑28, 2026, the Seattle Storm defeated the Atlanta Dream 105‑90 at Climate Pledge Arena. Rookie guard Flau’jae Johnson posted a double‑double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Atlanta forward Angel Reese recorded 17 points and nine rebounds.

With about 1:20 remaining and Seattle leading by 14, Johnson extended a hand to Reese for a post‑game handshake. Reese turned away, ignoring the gesture. The refusal quickly went viral on social media and prompted analysis of the players’ strained relationship, which dates back to their shared LSU championship season. In a 2025 interview, Reese said, “We aren’t as close as we used to be,” and Johnson later recalled media and locker‑room drama that soured their friendship.

The game also featured strong performances from Seattle’s Awa Fam (21 points) and Dominique Malonga (16‑11). The loss dropped the Dream to 12‑7, while the Storm, coming off an 11‑game losing streak, improved to 5‑15. The handshake snub added a human‑interest narrative to an otherwise routine WNBA matchup.