Angel Reese Faces Criticism After Tough Shooting Night Against the Liberty, ESPN Calls Her Out

In a highly scrutinized moment of the 2025 WNBA season, Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese found herself at the center of a media storm after an abysmal shooting performance against the New York Liberty. Reese, the former LSU standout, has made waves in the WNBA with her star power and gritty playing style, but Thursday night’s game was a reminder of the challenges that come with such visibility. Reese’s performance, which saw her miss 8 straight field goals—including 7 from within four feet of the basket—has drawn criticism not just from fans but from major media outlets like ESPN.

A Night of Struggles

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The Chicago Sky entered the game against the Liberty hoping to bounce back after their season-opening loss to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. However, Reese’s struggles on offense were impossible to ignore. Despite grabbing 12 rebounds, several of which were off her own missed shots, and committing five turnovers, Reese’s inability to convert at the rim was glaring. She ended the game with only two points, marking a career low.

ESPN wasted no time highlighting her poor performance. In a post-game notification, the network noted that Reese had tied a WNBA record for the most misses from within four feet of the rim in the past 10 years. “Angel Reese goes 0-for-7 from within four feet of the basket to tie most misses from that distance in WNBA over past 10 seasons,” the notification read, further intensifying the spotlight on her performance.

A Struggling Team and Missed Opportunities

The game, which saw the Liberty eventually secure a commanding 99-74 victory, was filled with missed opportunities for the Sky. With the score at 53-32 heading into halftime, Chicago had already dug themselves into a significant hole. Reese’s struggles were compounded by her teammates’ inability to find consistency on offense, shooting just 31.2% in the first half.

It was a particularly rough night for Reese, who didn’t score until there were just six minutes left in the game. With her shooting woes and the team’s offensive struggles, the game turned into a frustrating one for the Sky, who will now look to bounce back against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday.

The Media Storm and Fan Reaction

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The fallout from the game didn’t end with the final buzzer. Fans and analysts alike were quick to react, and the criticism of Reese’s performance was widespread. While some fans defended her, recognizing that every player has off nights, others were far more vocal in their disappointment, particularly with how much the WNBA has built the league around her stardom.

A Competitive Spirit: A’ja Wilson and Josh Hart Comment

Meanwhile, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson stirred up another conversation with her bold claims about taking on New York Knicks player Josh Hart in a one-on-one matchup. Wilson, a dominant force in the WNBA, confidently predicted a victory, saying, “Score would be 11-8, me.” While the exchange with Hart was lighthearted, it triggered some reactions within the basketball community, with fans joking that Wilson would lose 11-0 if Hart played with only his offhand.

Though the comment was made in jest, it highlighted the ever-growing personalities in the WNBA, including Reese’s and Wilson’s ability to make waves beyond the basketball court.

The Road Ahead for Angel Reese

Despite the criticism, Angel Reese remains a key figure for the Chicago Sky and the WNBA. Her performance on the court may have faltered on Thursday night, but the league’s future is still in her hands. Fans will be watching closely to see how Reese responds, not only to this difficult performance but also to the growing expectations surrounding her in the league.

With the WNBA season just beginning, it’s clear that Reese’s journey in the league will continue to be a rollercoaster of highs and lows, both on and off the court. How she bounces back from this tough start—and how she handles the pressure from media and fans—will shape her legacy in the years to come.

As the WNBA grows, so do the stakes for its stars. Angel Reese, despite the struggles, is still very much a part of the league’s bright future, and the next game will undoubtedly be a new chapter in her already iconic career.