Angel Reese has been one of the most talked-about—and often criticized—players in the WNBA, but her new teammates see a completely different side of the superstar. Despite the intense media scrutiny and her public rivalry with Caitlin Clark, Reese is winning hearts in the locker room.

Since entering the league, Reese has often been cast as the villain, especially after her epic NCAA Tournament battles with Clark. That rivalry followed them to the pros, where Reese has faced tough questions from reporters. She recently admitted she'd rather take a fine than deal with aggressive media interactions. "I'll take a fine before I have to go media and feel like my back is against the wall," she said.

But behind that tough exterior is a teammate who brings positivity and joy. Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray couldn't stop praising Reese after a recent win. "She's just such a positive person," Gray said. "No matter what state we are in the game, she always brings us together and lets us know we got it. And she's such a hard worker, and she's such a good person as well."

Gray added, "Once you get to know her and really connect with her, she's an amazing person, really lovely person, a joy to be around. I have the time of my life hanging out with Angel."

While fans may not always see this side of Reese, it's clear her impact goes far beyond the box score. Whether she's leading on the court or lifting spirits in the locker room, Reese is proving that the best players elevate everyone around them—and that's a quality worth celebrating, on and off the hardwood.