Chicago Sky star Angel Reese attempted to silence her critics on Tuesday night, but her response didn’t go as planned. Reese, who was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has faced a fair share of online criticism, particularly regarding her offensive skills.
Despite being an elite rebounder, Reese’s touch around the rim has been a frequent topic of scrutiny, with many pointing out areas where her game could use improvement.
The latest criticism came when an online troll took a jab at the former LSU standout, highlighting her shooting percentage from her rookie season. “You shot 39 percent from the field this past season,” the troll commented, pointing out Reese’s struggles to convert shots, particularly around the basket.
Not one to back down, Reese quickly fired back with an emphatic response. She wrote, “Do you realize I got drafted 7th in my class while ‘missing layups’ as a ROOKIE shooting 39% on the year & was STILL an all star and that was the worst you’ll ever see me??? Or are you just laid up with your dog at home hating, Adam?”
While Reese’s intention was to highlight her accomplishments despite her rookie struggles, her response ended up backfiring. Fans and critics alike were quick to point out that boasting about a 39 percent shooting percentage was far from impressive, especially for a player of her caliber.
The message was met with a wave of sarcastic replies, with many suggesting that Reese’s defensive stance was more of a self-own than a triumphant rebuttal.
“Shooting 39% is not a brag. It’s pretty bad for your position,” one fan commented, emphasizing that Reese’s field goal percentage is well below what’s expected for a forward who spends most of her time in the paint.
Another fan chimed in, “Willingly admitting you shot 39% almost all in the paint is rough, buddy. You should delete this.” The sentiment was echoed by others, who suggested that Reese’s attempt to clap back only served to highlight the weakness in her game.
“Missing layups and shooting 39%, while still being an ‘all star’ isn’t the flex you think it is,” added another reply, pointing out the irony of her statement.
Despite the backlash, Reese didn’t let the criticism go unanswered. She took to her social media account again to post a follow-up message: “It wasn’t a flex. It was tea that was clocked. NEXT.” Her response, while defiant, did little to change the perception that her initial message was poorly received.
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As a rookie, Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game for the Sky, showing her value as a dominant presence on the boards. While her offensive efficiency left room for improvement, Reese still earned a spot as an All-Star—a testament to her impact on the court beyond just scoring.
Her contributions on defense and her rebounding prowess were key factors in her recognition during her first WNBA season.
Reese’s willingness to engage with her critics shows her competitive nature, but it also highlights the scrutiny she faces as she continues to develop her game.
The Chicago Sky are hopeful that Reese can build on her rookie campaign, refining her offensive skillset to match her elite rebounding abilities. If she can improve her scoring efficiency, Reese has the potential to become the face of the franchise for years to come.
For now, the young star seems determined to prove her doubters wrong. With a full offseason ahead, Reese has the opportunity to work on her finishing around the rim and return as a more complete player.
As she continues to grow, there’s no doubt that she’ll use the criticism as motivation to elevate her game. Whether or not her social media clapbacks resonate with fans, her performance on the court will ultimately do the talking.
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