‘First layup with no issues’: Criticism mounts against Angel Reese even after masterful performance

The Atlanta Dream snapped its five-game losing streak on Thursday night with an 89-78 win over the Seattle Storm. A big reason for the return to form for the Dream, which looked like one of the premier teams in the WNBA before the losing streak, was the dominance of forward Angel Reese.

Reese, who is always a force on the glass, finished the game with 11 boards. However, what was most impressive was her scoring efficiency, which has been a hole in her game since she was drafted in 2024. Reese finished the game with 18 points on 7-for-15 from the field.

She knew she was in a groove, as evidenced by where she bodied star Storm forward Dominique Malonga on her way to a basket and gave Malonga the “too small” gesture.

ANGEL REESE.

TOO SMALL. pic.twitter.com/xePUZ00nbz

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 10, 2026

Offensive foul? Carry?

As great as she played, some fans on social media found it hard to give Reese, who was named to her third All-Star team in as many seasons this week, her due credit.

“They refuse to call offensive foul on Angel. She either throws an elbow into a defenders stomach or elbows to their face, both of which are illegal,” one fan posted on X.

“I’m not gonna lie, and I’m being totally honest. This is the first time I’ve seen her get a layup with no issues,” someone else added.

“No wonder they call her Angel, she be carrying the ball all the way to heaven!” one fan posted.

Others, however, had nothing but praise for Atlanta’s All-Star.

“Angel constantly gets guarded/guards/outplays/outrebounds niggas double her size but the basketball world wants you to believe she’s the biggest in the court every time so that you don’t give her credit,” one fan wrote.

“This the most perfect ‘too small’ I’ve ever seen lmaoo moved out smooth out the way,” someone else added.

Reese’s detractors can discredit her as much as they want, but the numbers will always speak for themselves.

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