Angel Reese, a major star in the WNBA, is not performing as expected, following a disappointing game on Sunday. This performance adds to what has been a slow start to the season.
Trade Expectations and Early Struggles
The Atlanta Dream acquired Reese in the offseason via a trade with the Chicago Sky. The Dream sent two first-round picks to Chicago in exchange for the league’s top rebounder. The team had high expectations for the forward, but her time with the Dream has been rocky.
Reese’s difficulties surfaced during the preseason, where she struggled to score efficiently and showed issues with her shooting form. She appeared to bounce back in the first two games of the season, posting consecutive double-doubles. This alleviated some concerns, however, Sunday’s game marked her worst performance this season. She was ultimately benched as the team nearly mounted a comeback without her presence on the court.
Worst Performance Against the Aces
Reese’s game against the Las Vegas Aces was particularly challenging. She had expressed confidence beforehand, even calling herself a “great player”. However, she then delivered what could be called the worst game of her career.
In 29 minutes, Reese scored just nine points and secured eight rebounds. She made only 1-of-8 shots from the field and had eight turnovers. Seven of her nine points came from free throws. Reese now leads the league in turnovers.
The only game that might have been worse was against the New York Liberty last May, where Reese went 0-for-8 from the field with just two made free throws. Even in that game, she managed 12 rebounds and only four turnovers.
Benched During Comeback Attempt
With Reese struggling to score and committing turnovers, the Dream benched her. This decision nearly led to a comeback.
Atlanta overcame a 19-point deficit to tie the game with under a minute remaining. Chelsea Gray then hit a two-point shot with just three seconds left, securing the win for the Aces.
Reese played just 29 minutes in the game, her lowest total of the season thus far.
Fan Criticism on Social Media
Reese’s struggles have drawn criticism from fans on social media.
- One fan wrote that Reese can “only succeed if she accepts her limitations and embraces a Rudy Gobert role”.
- Another suggested she “might get cut at some point if she doesn’t start taking improving seriously”.
- Someone else stated that it is waste of time to suggest “Reese needs to work on layups”.
The criticism was strong in reaction to her performance.