Angel Reese made history in the WNBA by becoming the first player to achieve multiple streaks of 10 games with a double-double, a feat that solidified her status as one of the league’s most consistent performers. However, her performance in the Chicago Sky’s 23-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx sparked online backlash and discussions about her playstyle. With 11 points, 30 rebounds, and nine turnovers, some users jokingly referred to her as being on ‘a triple-double watch,’ highlighting the mixed reactions her performance generated.
During the game, Reese’s turnovers were a focal point of criticism. One of the turnovers occurred in the first quarter when she attempted to pass the ball to a teammate who was right next to her. Instead, Reese softly bounced the ball off her own teammate, and the ball was quickly recovered by the Lynx, leading to an immediate counter. The incident drew comments from fans, some of whom found it baffling and commented on her perceived lack of effort or technique.
Another notable turnover happened in the third quarter when Reese took too many steps without dribbling, resulting in a traveling violation. Fans took to social media to mock the situation, with one user humorously suggesting, ‘Boy she traveled into the next city!’ Another joked, ‘She got her own travel agent with all that traveling.’ These comments reflect a broader sentiment of frustration with her playmaking decisions and lack of focus during the game.
Despite the game’s lopsided score, the Chicago Sky’s loss to the Minnesota Lynx brought attention to the team’s overall struggle, as they remain in fifth place in the WNBA’s Eastern Conference. The outcome underscored the challenges facing the team, which, with a 7-16 record, continues to fight for a playoff position. For Reese, the game was a mixed bag, as she celebrated a milestone in her career while facing criticism for her errors.
Reese’s recent comments about the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement proposal add another layer to her public persona. At the WNBA All-Star game, she expressed her frustration with the proposal, calling it ‘disrespectful.’ This moment highlighted her willingness to speak out on issues affecting players, even if it meant drawing attention to her own grievances. Her remarks were part of a larger conversation about the labor negotiations between the WNBA and the WNBPA, which have been a contentious topic among players and fans alike.
Additionally, Reese’s admission that she couldn’t afford to pay her bills based on her WNBA salary has raised questions about the financial stability of players in the league. She revealed in an Instagram live video that her salary didn’t cover her rent, with her rent costing $8,000 per month. These comments underscore the disparity between the salaries of WNBA players and the cost of living, especially in major cities where many players reside.
As the WNBA season continues, Reese’s dual role as a trailblazer and a player facing public scrutiny will likely remain a topic of discussion. Her ability to balance her achievements with the challenges of maintaining high performance under pressure will be key to her ongoing success in the league. For now, the focus remains on her performance, both on and off the court, as she navigates the complexities of her career and the broader issues facing the league.