The Chicago Sky came up just short of picking up their fifth win of the WNBA season on Friday night, falling 83-78 to the Golden State Valkyries in a contest that left more questions than answers, especially about the referees.
Despite the final score, Angel Reese once again delivered a monster performance. The second-year forward tallied 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting, pulled down 18 rebounds, and added two assists and a steal across 34 minutes. It was her signature double-double effort, something fans have quickly come to expect. But in the end, the box score wasn’t the biggest talking point of the night.
Fans erupt over perceived bias in foul calls
Reese appeared to be on the receiving end of several no-calls throughout the physical matchup, particularly in the paint. As frustrations boiled over on social media, fans took aim at WNBA officials, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the aggressive defense thrown at Reese.
“Are you people going to ever complain about how Angel gets hacked in the paint,” one fan asked on X, echoing the frustration of many others who had tuned in to watch the nationally televised contest.
“They’re watching these refs call ticky-tacky fouls on her while letting others get away with more physical play against her,” another user added, highlighting a growing concern that Reese is being officiated with a different standard than others across the league.
Some fans claim that defenders are routinely allowed to rough up Reese, particularly in the post, without consequence. That perceived disparity has sparked renewed calls for the Sky organization to intervene and defend their star forward more aggressively.
“After tonight, I need @chicagosky to put a tape together of how Angel is constantly being fouled with NO CALL!” a fan demanded on X. “These people are grabbing her arms, her jersey too and holding her down and she has no whistle! ENOUGH!”
This isn’t the first time Reese‘s physical style of play has come under the microscope. As one of the league’s top rebounders and a relentless presence around the basket, Reese often finds herself entangled with opposing post players. But fans believe the referees aren’t doing enough to protect her in those moments.
Reese, for her part, hasn’t publicly lashed out at officiating. She’s continued to play through the contact and produce night in and night out. But with the Sky now 4-11 and playoff hopes beginning to dim, fans are growing increasingly vocal about what they perceive to be a double standard.
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