Ariel Atkins from Sky defends Angel Reese: Reese's character beyond basketball is under attack, with Atkins labeling the critiques as irrelevant.
Angel Reese's Struggles in the Spotlight
The 2025 WNBA season hasn't been a picnic for Angel Reese or her team, the Chicago Sky, as they falter, dropping to 2-6, including a brutal 85-66 loss to the defending champion New York Liberty. Off-court challenges have also beset the young star, facing increased scrutiny from mainstream and social media.
Despite a standout game and becoming the quickest WNBA player to tally 30 career double-doubles, Reese still found herself fielding non-basketball questions during the Sky's post-game press conference. Her teammate, Ariel Atkins, didn't mince words in addressing the situation.
"The abuse she catches on a daily basis, and she still shows up," Atkins began. "So if you've got basketball-related queries, we appreciate it. But the rest of the BS? It's a waste of time. We're here to ball, plain and simple."
"We're currently in the dumps as a team, remember that," Atkins declared. "This is a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with class. Her burden is heavy."
"She doesn't gloat, 'I'm this, I'm that.' Absolutely not, she knows her worth! And we won't let her crumble under that. So, whatever else you've got to press her about, I hope it's just about basketball." the seasoned seven-year WNBA vet finished. "Something about the box score perhaps? But her burden is heavy. Show some respect."
Reese, grateful and moved by Atkins' words, shared a heartfelt post on X, previously known as Twitter, featuring a video of her teammate's passionate defense.
"Love my vet sister," Reese posted, accompanied by teary-eyed and heart emojis.
The controversy brewing around Angel Reese isn't exclusive to the current season. Ongoing criticisms against her have ranged from her team's performance and accusations of flopping to poor shooting percentages and a fan-created pressure cooker[2]. Moreover, an altercation during a game against the Indiana Fever with Caitlin Clark led to further controversy, with allegations of hateful fan comments hurled at Reese[1][3], resulting in a WNBA investigation.
Notable voices within the WNBA community, including Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird, have called out the media for shifting the focus away from basketball and the role they play in steering the conversation[5]. Nevertheless, opinions about Reese's situation remain divided, with some placing blame on fans for setting unrealistic expectations, while others hone in on her performance issues[2].
During the heated discussions surrounding Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky's young star, her teammate Ariel Atkins called for more respectful questions, emphasizing, "We're here to ball, plain and simple." As the playoffs approach, sports-analysis should focus on basketball-related queries rather than unnecessary criticisms. Despite the controversies, Reese's WNBA career has been marked by notable achievements, such as quickly amassing 30 career double-doubles, and her team's performance in the playoffs could be a crucial factor in the sports-analysis landscape.
