Angel Reese is leading the WNBA in rebounds and riding a record-breaking double-double streak. But despite the impressive numbers, critics have accused the Chicago Sky star of padding her stats by chasing her own missed shots.
However, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes delivered a sharp response to those doubters on Gil’s Arena podcast, cutting through the noise with a four-word message that quickly gained traction among fans.
How Did Sheryl Swoopes Respond to Angel Reese’s Critics?
Appearing on Gil’s Arena, hosted by former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, Sheryl Swoopes addressed the growing criticism that Chicago Sky star Reese is padding her rebounding stats by repeatedly grabbing her own missed shots. Her message to the critics was direct and unfiltered: “Box her a*s out.”
The four-time WNBA champion’s comment was more than just a defense of Reese. It was a direct challenge to those questioning her work ethic on the glass.
Swoopes elaborated by pointing out what’s long been considered a fundamental in basketball: players are taught to follow their shots. Reese, who leads the league in rebounding at 12.6 per game, often capitalizes on this by grabbing second and third-chance opportunities. This shows hustle, not stat-chasing. “If you don’t want her to get the rebound, box her out,” she said.
“Season 4 [Angel] is going to be sitting at 22 pts & 18 rebs. If the team is winning, MVP.”
The @gilsarenashow crew break down what Angel Reese’s future development could be 💯 pic.twitter.com/L4fBfwe0iX
— Underdog (@Underdog) July 22, 2025
The Hall of Famer’s message reframes the narrative completely. Instead of questioning Reese’s intentions, she suggests opponents might need to raise their own effort level.
What Do Reese’s Numbers Actually Show About Her Game?
Reese’s efforts show up clearly in her stats line. Now in her second year in the WNBA, she is averaging 14 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. Reese recently became the fifth-fastest player in Sky history to reach 750 points, doing so in just 55 games.
Her career totals now stand at 711 rebounds and 755 points, a rare statistical split that briefly saw her rebound count outpace her scoring earlier this season.
That’s where the term “mebounding” entered the discourse. The sarcastic dig aimed at players who rebound their own misses caught fire online, often used to criticize Reese’s efficiency.
But true to her brand, Reese didn’t shy away from the criticism. She trademarked “Mebound,” then debuted a “Mebound” colorway of her Reebok Angel 1 sneakers at the All-Star Game.
Why Does Gilbert Arenas Think Reese’s Best Is Yet to Come?
Swoopes wasn’t the only one defending Reese on Gil’s Arena. Arenas, a three-time NBA All-Star, added his own long-term perspective, urging fans to understand where she is in her development arc.
“You are judging two sophomores. That means this is the worst they gonna be in the next four or five years… She’s gonna get better at layups and rebounding. She is like an amateur rebounder right now. There’s gonna be a year she’s sitting at 19 and 19… that could be next season, damn near for sure.”
While Arenas painted a promising future, he was also clear that Reese’s raw tools are already elite.
The numbers back up his confidence. Reese currently holds the longest active double-double streak in the WNBA and has become one of the league’s top marketable stars. She was recently named a cover athlete for NBA 2K, one of just six WNBA players ever to receive that honor.
For now, Reese continues on an upward trajectory in her career. Going by Swoopes and Arenas’ take on her skills, Reese’s peak is yet to come.
