Angel Reese mocked for missing layup repeatedly after comments about WNBA players sitting out for more money

Angel Reese has made a name for herself both on and off the basketball court, and while she’s never been shy about voicing her opinions, her performance in the Unrivaled League is now under intense scrutiny.  Known for her confident attitude and belief that she’s helped elevate women’s basketball alongside stars like Caitlin Clark, Reese has become one of the sport’s most talked-about figures. But following her latest showing, critics are asking whether her game is truly backing up her bold statements.

Playing for Rose BC in Monday night’s Unrivaled League matchup, Reese’s team dominated Vinyl BC, led by Aliyah Boston, in a 74-46 blowout. While the victory was decisive, Reese’s individual performance left much to be desired. She posted a solid 13 rebounds but shot a rough 5-for-13 from the floor, finishing with 10 points.

Fans and Critics Question Reese’s Shooting Woes

What stood out the most – and not in a good way – was Reese’s struggle to finish at the rim. Despite her reputation as a fierce competitor in the paint, the former LSU star seemed unable to convert even routine layups.  One particularly viral moment saw Reese hit the bottom of the backboard on a layup attempt, then miss an awkward put-back that didn’t even graze the rim – a sequence now making the rounds on social media.

Commentators and fans alike didn’t hold back in their reactions

Some highlighted how Reese has long been accused of padding her stats by intentionally missing shots to collect offensive rebounds, but her performance on Monday suggested a different issue. As one critic bluntly put it:  “She’s not stat padding, she simply cannot score the basketball.”  Another glaring issue in Reese’s game is her constant search for contact instead of focusing on finishing plays. Nearly every shot seems to come with an expectation of a foul, as she throws up off-balance attempts hoping for a whistle – often to her own detriment.

Basketball legend Lisa Leslie even addressed this flaw directly last month, telling Reese to her face that she needs to “fix” how she shoots layups. It’s not every day that a Hall of Famer calls out a young star so publicly, but Leslie’s critique now seems more justified than ever.  “A legend of the game telling a current WNBA star that she needs to learn how to shoot a layup is outrageous but also phenomenal,” one fan remarked on X (formerly Twitter).

Is the Pressure of Stardom Catching Up with Reese?

For all her confidence and media presence, Angel Reese’s recent on-court issues are raising questions about her readiness to dominate at the next level, especially as the WNBA season approaches. With her outspoken nature and claims of elevating women’s basketball, expectations are sky-high.

Reese entered the Unrivaled League not just to stay in shape ahead of the WNBA season, but to solidify her reputation as a rising star.  Yet, as her performances fall short of her persona, fans are beginning to wonder if Reese’s game is still catching up to her image.