Following the Chicago Sky’s narrow defeat to the Las Vegas Aces, rookie Angel Reese has been at the center of harsh criticism from prominent social media figures Dave Portnoy and Jason Whitlock. Despite a standout performance that saw Reese tie a WNBA rookie record, the 22-year-old has faced a wave of online backlash.

On August 25, 2024, the Chicago Sky fell 77-75 to the Las Vegas Aces in a dramatic finish. A’ja Wilson’s buzzer-beating layup sealed the victory for the Aces, who are the reigning WNBA champions. Although Reese contributed significantly with 11 points and 22 rebounds, helping her tie Tina Charles’ record for the most double-doubles by a rookie in a season, it was not enough to end the Sky’s losing streak.

Reese’s performance was marred by criticism from Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, and Whitlock, a sports columnist. Portnoy posted a clip of Reese missing a 3-point shot, mocking the airball with the caption “Nothing but net” on X (formerly Twitter). Whitlock went further, criticizing Reese’s shooting mechanics. He suggested that Reese’s tendency to release the ball at shoulder level rather than at eye level was detrimental, comparing it to a combination of Stevie Wonder and Gary Coleman, and indicating that it might be an “impossible” flaw to correct.

Despite the criticism, Reese’s game was historic. She recorded her third consecutive game with at least 20 rebounds, marking her 22nd double-double of the season. Her efforts were overshadowed by A’ja Wilson’s standout performance, who scored 20 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, and a clutch 3-pointer by Chennedy Carter to tie the game with just 1.1 seconds remaining. The Aces ultimately secured the win with Wilson’s decisive layup.

Chennedy Carter led the Sky with 25 points, supported by Lindsay Allen’s 16 points and Michaela Onyenwere’s 15. For the Aces, Kelsey Plum added 18 points, and Megan Gustafson contributed 13 points in her first start with the team, including two crucial 3-pointers in the third quarter.

The criticism directed at Reese is part of a broader discourse involving other rookie stars. Portnoy has been a vocal supporter of Caitlin Clark, another rookie who recently set records of her own. Meanwhile, Whitlock has been critical of Clark, focusing on her turnovers despite her record-setting performances.

As Reese continues her rookie season, the scrutiny highlights the intense pressure and high expectations facing emerging talents in the WNBA.