Indiana Fever rookie Raven Johnson left one word for Angel Reese

Indiana Fever rookie Raven Johnson shared a one-word message for Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese following their pregame reunion.

Before tipoff at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday night, the two exchanged a few words after sharing a hug during warmups. The WNBA later shared a video of the interaction on Instagram to highlight the pair’s roots in the Southeastern Conference.

“SEC runs strong 💪 Former LSU forward Angel Reese embraces previous Gamecock Raven Johnson ahead of tip-off!” the league wrote in the caption.

 Johnson reposted the clip to her Instagram story with a sweet, one-word caption, “Booskie ️🥹.” It is a nickname she and Reese have affectionately used for each other over the years.

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Indiana Fever rookie Raven Johnson has history with Angel Reese

The pregame exchange drew attention because of the history between the two players. Johnson and Reese went head-to-head multiple times in the NCAA. Reese played for the LSU Tigers for two seasons and led the team to the 2023 NCAA championship.

Johnson built her own championship resume at South Carolina, where she spent five seasons. A three-year starter, the 5-foot-8 guard helped the Gamecocks capture the NCAA titles in 2022 and 2024.

Their respective universities forged one of the fiercest rivalries in women’s college basketball. However, the two athletes’ on-court rivalry evolved into a close friendship. They maintained a strong bond off the court while also teaming up for the national team.

Johnson and Reese have often celebrated each other’s successes throughout their careers. After the Gamecocks won the 2024 NCAA title, the pair celebrated it through a video call. 

Reese also showed her support after the Fever selected Johnson with the No. 10 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. In a post on X, she called Johnson’s journey inspiring and said she looked forward to seeing her in the WNBA.

The 6-foot-3 forward also sent a supportive message to Johnson following her stellar preseason debut for the Fever.

“So proud of my booskieeee @HollywoodRaven,” Reese wrote on X.

Thursday’s game marked the first meeting between Johnson and Reese this season. The Fever and Dream have three more matchups remaining.

Both Johnson and Reese quickly shifted their focus to winning when the game started. Reese delivered another strong performance for the Dream by securing a double-double.

She finished the night with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots. She achieved her third consecutive double-double and her sixth in just nine regular-season games.

However, the Fever controlled the entire second half to secure an 83-71 victory over Atlanta. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 25 points, while Aliyah Boston added 19.

Caitlin Clark also contributed 17 points while Johnson chipped in with five. The win marked Indiana’s first victory in the 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. 

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/indiana-fever-raven-johnson-one-word-angel-reese/