The 2025 WNBA season has not started like /6845dc7be2704e17418b45a9.html” target=”_blank”>Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky imagined it would. Reese hasn’t taken the next step many expected following an All-Star season in 2024, and the Sky have begun the season 2-6.
Following the Sky’s loss to the New York Liberty on Tuesday night, Reese and teammate Ariel Atkins stepped up to the podium for the postgame press conference. Atkins took the opportunity to vehemently defend Reese, calling out unnecessary criticism that in her mind has nothing to do with basketball.
Atkins’ fierce defense of Reese went viral. Even Cardi B, who is dealing with her own public image criticism due to Stefon Diggs‘ viral boat party video, reposted the video. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo commented on Atkins’ speech, calling her a “great teammate“.
Angel Reese is dealing with unprecedented criticism
Reese is accustomed to having haters, but it has really ramped up in 2025. A lot of it has come from her poor on-court performances. She has struggled mightily to make shots consistently, although it seems she may have turned a corner with a strong offensive game against the Liberty.
Despite many fans thinking Reese has brought the criticism upon herself due to her confident nature and statements, it has clearly gone a bit too far. She seems to be affected by it, as was made clear by her reaction to Atkins’ speech.
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