Isobel Borlase, a guard for the Atlanta Dream, wasn’t exactly a standout during the regular season. The 22-year-old rookie played in all 44 games but averaged just 4.8 points in about 13 minutes on the court each night.
However, things took a turn in the last two games of the WNBA semi-finals, where Borlase stepped up significantly. With Allisha Gray, the team’s top scorer, out due to a hand injury, she scored in double digits in both games. In Game 2, during a tight 101-98 overtime win against the Liberty, Borlase made 11 points shooting 4-9 from the field.
Just two nights later, she added another 10 points, along with 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist in 20 minutes coming off the bench.
While those numbers may not seem huge, they were especially vital since the Dream were already missing two starters—Gray and Brionna Jones. Borlase’s back-to-back scoring performances were crucial for the team.
Her teammates certainly recognized her contributions. Angel Reese highlighted how impressive it is for someone so young to come to Atlanta and excel with such confidence. “It’s no different than playing overseas; she was the WNBL MVP for a reason,” Reese noted, emphasizing the importance of Borlase embracing her skills and assured her of the team’s support.
Isobel Borlase’s contributions could be even more important against the Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries thrive on their depth, which played a significant role in their series against the Las Vegas Aces. Throughout the playoffs, ten players have seen at least ten minutes per game. This roster includes starters like Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, Kayla Thornton, Veronica Burton, and Cecilia Zandalasini, alongside bench players Kaila Charles, Kaitlyn Chen, Janelle Salaun, Tiffany Hayes, and Aminata Gueye.
Different players from the Valkyries’ bench have stepped up at crucial times. For instance, both Charles and Chen have successfully closed out games, while Hayes has emerged as the team’s second-leading scorer this postseason, averaging 13.3 points per game. Gueye, who arrived late in the regular season, has also made key contributions against the Aces.
In contrast, injuries to Gray and Brionna Jones have forced the Dream to rely heavily on their bench, which has so far included only Borlase and Te-Hina Paopao in the playoffs. However, Paopao’s involvement has been quite limited, averaging just 4.8 minutes per game. So, apart from Bonner, who stepped into the starting lineup after Gray’s injury, Borlase has become the most crucial player off the bench. If Gray continues to struggle with her injury, Borlase’s role will only grow in importance.
