Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s rising star, is under fire for her contradictory behavior following a humiliating 27-point loss to the Indiana Fever at the United Center. The 19,000 fans in attendance witnessed the Fever, despite missing key players like Caitlin Clark, dismantle the Sky with ease. Reese’s lackluster performance and subsequent social media antics have ignited a debate about her priorities and professionalism in the WNBA.

Reese scored a mere four points, shooting a dismal 28.6% from the field, missing layups that should be routine for a professional. Her minus-20 rating underscored her inability to impact the game positively, as the Fever’s role players, led by Kelsey Mitchell’s 17 points and Lexi Hull’s efficient shooting, dominated. Aaliyah Boston controlled the paint, leaving Reese ineffective on both ends. The Sky’s collapse was so thorough that fans began leaving before the fourth quarter, some even seeking autographs from Fever players during warm-ups.

Adding fuel to the controversy, Reese, who has publicly decried being sexualized and receiving threats, posted provocative content online shortly after the loss. A video of her twerking with rapper Sexy Redd drew widespread criticism for contradicting her complaints about unwanted attention. Fans and analysts called out the hypocrisy, pointing to screenshots of her emotional interviews juxtaposed with her attention-seeking posts. This pattern—posting risqué content then lamenting scrutiny—has led many to question whether Reese prioritizes basketball or social media stardom.

The Fever’s performance highlighted a stark contrast in team culture. While Reese focused on pregame outfits and postgame drama, Indiana’s players showcased depth and professionalism, winning without their stars. This blowout follows a 35-point loss to the Fever earlier in the season, where Reese’s physical play failed to translate into effective basketball. Her 17 rebounds in that game were largely from her own misses, further exposing her struggles.

Critics argue that Reese’s actions undermine her credibility as a leader and role model. Unlike peers like Caitlin Clark, who maintain a consistent, basketball-focused image, Reese’s behavior invites the scrutiny she claims to reject. As the WNBA aims to grow, the league faces pressure to address such distractions. Fans are left wondering: will Reese refocus on her game, or continue chasing attention over wins?