What was supposed to be one of the WNBA’s biggest rivalries for the foreseeable future has mellowed considerably. With competition rising sharply, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark’s college basketball feud hasn’t materialized in the same way.
Injuries have played a part in it. But the two stars have taken on drastically different timelines in the league.
Unfortunately, a poor showing against the Indiana Fever prompted some brutal comments about the Atlanta Dream star, who had had enough of the negativity.
Angel Reese Is Fed Up with the Constant Criticism
With a career field goal percentage hovering around 42% as an interior presence, social media was aghast at her insistence on practicing 3-pointers.
Moreover, folks had a lot of problems with her mechanics, particularly with the torque and the extension of the feet.
Unfortunately, that coincided with an underwhelming showing against the Fever, who won 83-71. Reese finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds while hitting just 4 shots and giving up 4 turnovers, but was overshadowed by a 17-point, 7-rebound, and 8-assist showing from Clark.
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That further added to the vitriol against her. Finally, it seems like the LSU alum had had enough.
Taking to X, she fired back, “always a nobody bringing me up.” It doesn’t look like the outside noise is going to make her change her style or focus.
A spectacular career at the collegiate level paved the way for Reese to be taken with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Joining the Chicago Sky, she was an immediate presence inside, particularly with her penchant for grabbing rebounds.
Unfortunately, her game lacked versatility, prompting the team to trade her to Atlanta.
In 9 games with her new squad, Reese’s overall numbers have dropped a tick, as she’s averaging career lows in points (12.8) and rebounds (11.1).
She has become more trigger-happy from 3-point range, taking more than 1 long-range jumper per game. However, that is where much of the criticism has stemmed from, as she continues to shoot under 10% from distance.
For an Atlanta squad that is at 6-3 and leading the Eastern Conference standings through the first month of the season, the Reese addition has worked out in their favor.
Even if the raw numbers don’t indicate it, she has been an overall net positive for their record and what the organization is trying to build.
But with a long season ahead of them, the ceiling could get much higher for the squad if Reese finds her form.
