Angel Reese is proving critics wrong with immediate defensive impact since returning to Unrivaled’s Rose BC, anchoring a late-game stand that sealed a 70-66 win over Laces BC and triggering a sharp turnaround on that end of the floor.
After roughly five months away from on-court action following her WNBA season with the Chicago Sky, Reese rejoined Rose BC on Feb. 20 amid heightened scrutiny and questions about her absence.
Instead of addressing the narrative publicly, the forward has responded with production, particularly on defense. Before her return, Rose BC had struggled defensively, allowing opponents to shoot 52.2% over a nine-game stretch.
In the two games since Reese’s comeback, that number has dropped to 43.1%, including a season-low 40.3% opponent shooting in the win over Laces BC – a statistical swing that underscores her influence as a rim protector and rebounder.
Reese’s dominance is evident on the court and in the stat line
Her impact was most evident in crunch time against Laces, when Reese switched onto perimeter scorer Jackie Young and executed a two-possession defensive sequence, first blocking a drive at the rim and then recovering to contest a desperation three after the rebound, preserving the lead.
The Sky forward has also delivered consistent two-way contributions off the bench, stabilizing possessions, securing second chances and providing backline protection that has allowed teammates to defend more aggressively.
Reese’s recent averages:
- 11.0 points per game
- 55.6% field-goal percentage
- 11.5 rebounds per game
- 2.5 assists per game
“I can always rely on my defense no matter what,” Reese said postgame, emphasizing her role as a defensive anchor while teammates focus on scoring.
Reese’s return lifted the entire Unrivaled league
The 2025 Defensive Player of the Year and champion in Unrivaled’s inaugural season has quickly reasserted her value across multiple positions, reinforcing her reputation as a versatile defender.
Her return also comes after she initially opted to sit out Unrivaled’s second season to pursue off-court ventures, a decision that drew attention as the league navigated a ratings dip.
Now back in the lineup, Reese’s defensive presence and double-double production are shifting the conversation, with her on-court performance signaling a full-scale return to form and a stabilizing force for a team that had been trending in the wrong direction.
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