Angel Reese has become one of the most polarizing figures in the WNBA, often making headlines for her off-court persona as much as her on-court performances. But after the Chicago Sky’s humiliating blowout loss to the Indiana Fever—who were missing superstar Caitlin Clark—Reese found herself on the receiving end of relentless mockery and criticism. The build-up to this game was huge: the Sky moved their matchup to the United Center, hoping to capitalize on Clark’s star power and the feverish demand for tickets. But with Clark sidelined by injury, the hype fizzled, and tickets that were expected to be hot commodities ended up selling for as little as three dollars. It was a stark reminder that, for all the talk about new faces in women’s basketball, not every player can draw a crowd.
The game itself was nothing short of a disaster for Reese and the Sky. Many expected Chicago to take advantage of a depleted Fever roster, but the exact opposite happened. Indiana’s role players stepped up and completely dismantled the Sky, exposing every weakness in Chicago’s game plan. Angel Reese, who has been hyped as a generational talent and a future face of the league, was especially underwhelming. She finished the night with just four points on two-of-seven shooting, a dismal 28.6% from the field. Her plus-minus was an abysmal minus-20, meaning the Sky were outscored by 20 points during her time on the floor. These weren’t tough, contested shots—most were layups and close-range looks that a professional forward should finish with ease.
Fans and critics alike were quick to pounce. Social media lit up with jokes and memes about Reese’s poor performance. Some pointed out the irony of her walking the “pink carpet” before the game, dressed for a fashion show rather than a basketball battle, only to deliver one of the worst stat lines of her young career. Others joked that Reese looked like she was auditioning for New York Fashion Week instead of focusing on the fundamentals. The most brutal comments compared her to a “bricklayer,” referencing her missed shots and lack of impact in the paint.
This isn’t the first time Angel Reese has faced criticism for her focus on image over substance. She’s been vocal about the challenges of being in the spotlight, frequently discussing the harassment and sexualization she faces online. Yet, her critics argue that Reese often invites this attention, posting glamorous photos and engaging in social media drama even after tough losses. After the blowout against the Fever, she was again active on social media, sharing photos and updates while fans were still processing the team’s embarrassing defeat. The disconnect between her online persona and her on-court results has become a running joke among WNBA followers.
To make matters worse, the Fever’s victory came without their biggest stars. Caitlin Clark, who has been the talk of the league since her arrival, was out with an injury. Sophie Cunningham and head coach Stephanie White were also absent. This should have been an easy win for the Sky—a chance for Reese to step up and lead her team to a statement victory. Instead, it was Indiana’s bench and role players who dominated. Kelsey Mitchell led the way with 17 points, while Lexie Hull and Aaliyah Boston outworked and outplayed Chicago’s frontcourt. Even Ari McDonald, a recent addition on a hardship contract, made a bigger impact than Reese, scoring 12 points and racking up four steals.
The United Center crowd, hoping for an exciting contest, began to empty out before the third quarter ended. Many fans had come expecting to see Caitlin Clark, and with her absent and the Sky getting blown out, there was little reason to stick around. Some even lined up for Clark’s autograph during warmups, underscoring just how much the star power dynamic has shifted in the WNBA. For the Sky, and especially for Angel Reese, this game was a wake-up call. The hype and headlines are no substitute for hard work and results on the court.
As the dust settles, Angel Reese faces a pivotal moment in her young career. She has the talent and the platform to be a true star, but games like this only fuel her detractors. The criticism is harsh, sometimes cruel, but it reflects a simple reality: fans want to see substance, not just style. Reese’s ability to bounce back from this disaster will determine whether she becomes the player many hoped she could be, or just another social media celebrity in the world of professional sports.
For now, the laughter and mockery are loud, and the spotlight is unforgiving. Angel Reese will have to prove—on the court, not just online—that she’s more than a viral moment or a fashion statement. Otherwise, nights like this will continue to define her legacy, and the jokes at her expense will only get louder.
