Paige Bueckers cheers on close friend Angel Reese after her monster Finals night

Paige Bueckers is thrilled for Angel Reese after the star forward took over Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.

The two-time All-Star spoke about her friend while passing through LAX on Wednesday. She said the pair talk regularly about basketball and root for each other even while competing.

"She deserves it"

Bueckers said watching Reese shine on the sport's biggest stage was a joy. She stressed that Reese puts in the work to earn moments like this.

She also praised how Reese carries herself under constant attention. "The crown that she wears is heavy, but she wears it well," Bueckers said. She added that she admires how Reese stays true to who she is.

A big bounce back

Reese, 24, finished Game 1 with 14 points plus 12 rebounds. But she was held without a point after halftime as the Valkyries took the win.

Game 2 went very differently. Reese poured in 30 points with 16 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots.

Hoping for a long series

Bueckers and Reese were once teammates on Team USA. Bueckers would not predict who will win the title, though she said she hopes the matchup goes the full seven games.

She even flipped the question back on the photographer and asked for his pick.