Angel Reese’s late-game layup becomes talking point during historic WNBA night
Angel Reese faced criticism for a late-game layup during a historic WNBA night, with some fans accusing her of padding her statistics.
Video Transcript
Angel Reese made WNBA history Monday night, but a controversial late-game play has overshadowed what should have been a celebration of her incredible rebounding performance.
Reese grabbed 26 rebounds in Atlanta's 78 to 71 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, breaking the WNBA single-game record of 24 rebounds that had stood since 2003.
Her 20th rebound also moved her past Odya Wilson for the most rebounds in a WNBA season.
But with just 20 seconds left and Atlanta leading 76 to 69, the focus shifted.
Reese had nine points and appeared to stay in the front court instead of playing defense, waiting for Atlanta to regain possession.
After Jordan Canada collected the rebound, she threw the ball down the court to a wide-open Reese.
With no defender near her and the game essentially decided, Reese could have simply dribbled out the clock.
Instead, she took the uncontested layup, giving herself 11 points and her 27th double-double of the season.
The basket didn't change the outcome, but it did change Reese's personal numbers.
She finished four for 14 from the field, with most of her misses coming close to the rim, and had five shots blocked, including four by Cameron Brink.
The late layup also put Reese just one double-double behind Alyssa Thomas' WNBA single-season record of 28 with six games remaining.
This isn't the first time Reese has benefited from a late-game opportunity to protect a double-double streak.
In 2024, while playing for Chicago, Reese needed one more point to reach double figures in a game that was essentially over.
Chennedy Carter helped get her the ball.
Reese was fouled, and she made both free throws to extend her streak.
After Monday's historic performance, a reporter accidentally referred to Reese's achievement as an NBA record before correcting himself.
Reese responded, "No, I don't, 'cause I'd be setting NBA records, too."
The reporter clearly meant WNBA records, and Reese's comment sparked another wave of criticism.
There's no question that her 26 rebounds were historic, but the late layup and the post-game exchange have added controversy to what was otherwise a record-breaking night.
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