Angel Reese added another record to her growing résumé by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds, accomplishing the feat in only 38 games.
The achievement, secured on Phoenix’s home floor, was met not with hostility but with a standing ovation from the Mercury crowd. That response underscored an unusual reality: in certain arenas, Reese is embraced even as an opponent.
Phoenix supporters have long shown appreciation for her playing style, with some fans even speculating online about the possibility of seeing her in Mercury colors one day. For Reese, the moment offered a reminder of where she feels welcomed. She later described Phoenix as one of the cities that provide “a healthy environment” for players, where the focus remains on basketball.
New York has provided a similar experience. Liberty fans, known for their coordinated chants and vocal support, have treated Reese with the same level of respect. Together, Phoenix and New York represent the type of atmosphere she says fuels her performance.
Indiana rivalry exposes tensions
The reception elsewhere has been less positive. Reese’s professional rivalry with Caitlin Clark, carried over from their college battles, intensified this season when Clark was whistled for a flagrant foul following hard contact on Reese. The incident triggered a wave of reactions both in the arena and online.
The WNBA subsequently opened an investigation into allegations of abusive remarks directed at Reese by Indiana fans. Although the inquiry did not find evidence to substantiate those claims, the episode left a lasting impression.
When asked to compare fan bases, Reese avoided referencing Indiana and instead highlighted the arenas where she feels supported. Her remarks suggested that not all environments in the league are conducive to player well-being.
Concerns about the Fever’s atmosphere are not new. In 2024, Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington voiced her frustration after a heated contest in Indianapolis.
Following a game in which both she and Clark scored 19 points, Carrington criticized the behavior of Fever fans on social media, calling them “the nastiest fans in the W.” Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner has also alluded to the challenges of playing in that environment.
Reese’s milestone night in Phoenix contrasted sharply with those experiences. The support she received highlighted how the tone of a crowd can shape a player’s sense of belonging and performance. In her postgame reflections, she emphasized that some arenas are defined purely by basketball appreciation, free from distractions or hostility. That, she argued, is the environment players hope for across the league.
As the WNBA continues to expand its profile and attract new audiences, the treatment of star athletes like Reese will remain an important factor. Her record-setting start reflects her talent and drive, but the reactions to her presence reveal another story: one of a league still navigating how fan culture can either elevate or undermine its brightest figures.
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