'This Kid's Crown Is Heavy. Respect That': Angel Reese Gets Defended By Teammate After Getting Trolled
Angel Reese had been the center of criticism from many this season, pointing out her performance on the court. Teammate Ariel Atkins isn’t going to let this slide, fiercely defending the Chicago Sky sophomore.
Speaking after the Sky’s 66-85 loss against the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Atkins, currently on a two-year, $400k contract with Chicago, praised Reese’s 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 61.5% efficiency at the game.
The former Texas Longhorn sternly warned about the criticisms surrounding Angel Reese, calling it a distraction to the team’s situation.
“This is a 23-year-old kid. And the amount of crap that she gets on the day to day, and she still shows up,” Atkins said. “So whatever questions y’all got about our team, basketball-wise, we appreciate it. But all the other nonsense, it’s irrelevant. We’re here to play basketball and do what we do. We’re having a hard time right now, at the end of the day.”
Ariel Atkins on the criticism Angel Reese receives outside of basketball. pic.twitter.com/SGtmd1uBLA
— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) June 11, 2025
Ultimately, Atkins admires Reese’s ability to work under pressure, emphasizing “Bayou Barbie’s” emotional strength.
“That’s a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy. So whatever else y’all want to come at her for the way that she acts, she has to build a wall. She has to have a wall. Because if she doesn’t, people will break her down,” Atkins concluded.
Atkins’ words had impacted Angel Reese, who thanked her teammate soon after. The former LSU Tiger had been vital to the Chicago Sky throughout the season, leading them amidst their struggles. The team stands 2-6 and is on a two-game losing streak. They’ll face the 6-3 Atlanta Dream next on Friday.
Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh also hadn’t escaped criticism, as he led the team led by Angel Reese to a poor start this season. Despite the setbacks, Reese makes it clear that the blame shouldn’t be on her coach.
Speaking on Tuesday’s interview, Reeseremarked: “We have to give Tyler grace because he’s a rookie coach, too. He’s the head coach, but it’s us on the floor. We have to look ourselves in the mirror and be patient with ourselves and continue to just grind. We don’t point the finger.”
Reese: “We have to give Tyler grace because he’s a rookie coach, too. He’s the head coach, but it’s us on the floor.”
“We have to look ourselves in the mirror and be patient with ourselves and continue to just grind. We don’t point the finger.”
— Karli Bell (@KarliBell33) June 11, 2025
May 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) and LA Sparks forward Azura Stevens (23) battle for the ball in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Marsh soon received Angel Reese’s message, giving a heartwarming reply: “I appreciate those comments from Angel,” he said. “Our players are the ones who deserve the grace. I know what comes with the territory of being a head coach. I accept that for better or for worse.”
Marsh on Reese’s comments about giving him grace: “I appreciate those comments from Angel. Our players are the ones who deserve the grace.
“I know what comes with the territory of being a head coach. I accept that for better or for worse.”
— Karli Bell (@KarliBell33) June 11, 2025
LOOK: Angel Reese Puts In Effort To Finish Better Under The Rim After Shooting 31% 27 May 29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) and guard Rebecca Allen (9) attempt to steal the ball from Dallas Wings center Teaira McCowan (15) during the second half at the Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
The Sky, under Marsh, really needs to make massive overhauls if they want to make a comeback this season.
