Angel Reese just shattered WNBA history as the first player to grab 15 or more rebounds in five consecutive games. Yet social media isn’t celebrating—it’s roasting her. And that’s why former NBA and Bulls teammate Etan Thomas stepped in with a sharp analysis.

“The #AngelReese hate should be studied. She just made #WNBA history again, this time as the first player to have 15+ rebounds in 5 straight games, but watch the hate continue. Tells you it’s not about basketball.” 

Angel Reese is dominating the court but still catching flak. What started with her “Bayou Barbie” persona and ended with double-double headlines is now exposing a deeper issue. The hate is personal, loud, and misplaced.

Angel Reese hasn’t backed down. She’s owned every challenge thrown at her this season, from rebounding records to triple-doubles. And while the numbers speak for themselves. She’s averaging near a league-high 12 rebounds and adding 4 assists per game. With every game comes the boos and the backlash.

That’s the double-edged sword of the spotlight in the WNBA’s spotlight era. Angel Reese is breaking records, but she’s also exposing how resilience is needed not just on the stat sheet, but in public battles too.

So yeah, watch the hate swirl. But remember, in a league that’s quick to crown, Angel Reese keeps earning it by the numbers. And she will not be silenced.

May 21, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against Golden State Valkyries forward Monique Billings (25) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

When the online hate snowballed around Angel Reese, one voice rose above the noise. Sky veteran Ariel Atkins defended her in a postgame press conference, calling out critics and focusing on why Angel Reese deserves respect.

“Her crown is heavy,” Ariel Atkins said, referencing Reese’s difficult position under pressure. “And [Angel Reese] handles it with grace and resilience.”

May 29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Rebecca Allen (9), guard Ariel Atkins (7), guard Courtney Vandersloot (22), center Kamilla Cardoso (10), and forward Angel Reese (5) are seen during the first half against the Dallas Wings at the Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Atkins was detailing Reese’s dominance in the paint: grabbing rebounds, posting double-doubles, and still carrying herself with poise despite the external drama. For Angel Reese, the message was loud and clear: ignore the distractions and keep delivering.

This season, Angel Reese has shattered records with 15+ rebounds in five straight games, league‑leading boards, and consistent double‑digit scoring. Yet she’s been at the center of viral clips, heated rivalries, and even a league investigation.

June 27, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) waits for play to resume in the second quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Atkins reminds everyone that Angel Reese is producing stats while handling criticism few players face. She’s a trailblazer in a spotlight and her teammates see it.

The support should be validation for the Bayou Barbie. It sets the tone: she can stand up to the game and the noise. And as long as Angel Reese keeps dominating, her crown stays heavy—exactly where it belongs.