Angel Reese Missing Multiple Layups in Embarrassing 2-Point Outing Sends Fans into a Frenzy: “She’s a Real Ball Player?”

Angel Reese's improved skills were supposed to help the Chicago Sky win games and march towards their goal of making the playoffs.

Angel Reese Missing Multiple Layups in Embarrassing 2-Point Outing Sends Fans into a Frenzy: “She’s a Real Ball Player?”

Angel Reese shot zero field goals in disastrous two-point game (Image via FirstSportz)

Angel Reese came into her sophomore WNBA season full of confidence that her developmental work would translate to success. Along with the plethora of experienced veterans the Chicago Sky signed this offseason, the team hoped this could propel them to a playoff berth.

In the preseason, Reese’s development seemed to be working after she recorded impressive statistics in those wins. Many fans believed the improvements she displayed in the Unrivaled League would help the Sky achieve success, much like her Rose BC did when coming back as underdogs to win the title.

But the first game of the regular season was a major wake-up call. Reese notched another double-double, but that did not help the Sky as they lost embarrassingly to the Indiana Fever by 35 points. Instead of focusing on that blowout loss, the media’s focus was fixated on her clash with rival Caitlin Clark.

However, in between the talks of race and hate, one analyst, FS1’s Nick Wright, pointed out that Reese’s performances were alarming. He believed her lack of improvement was evident, and she was running out of time to stay in this rivalry.

One look at the Sky’s schedule, and it was evident that they could struggle to win the first four games. The second of those was tonight against the defending champion, New York Liberty, where the Sky fell behind early on. But what caught the attention of fans was Angel Reese’s struggles.

In the first four minutes of the first quarter, there was a sequence where Reese grabbed a Kamilla Cardoso miss and proceeded to shoot it herself. She missed four times while grabbing her own rebounds. Reese missed four more attempts to 0-8 in the game. If not for two free throws, she would have finished with 0 points.

Fans lose their minds watching Angel Reese struggle

Basketball fans watching that sequence alone were baffled at Angel Reese’s struggles. Anyone with basic basketball knowledge asked if 4 missed shots while notching 5 rebounds was the way to help her team. On top of that, fans also pointed out her lack of awareness.

It seemed as if she was playing for herself and completely ignored the rest of her teammates. Cardoso was next to her under the rim, and other teammates were outside the three-point line. Only after Rebecca Allen screamed at Reese from the bench, pointing at open teammates, did she pass the ball. Fans took to social media to react to this sequence and her two-point outing, examples of which are below.

In the first game, Angel Reese managed to notch a personal feat. But there is a clear pattern of scoring struggles that fans are getting more proof of as the days go by. Her +/- of -45 in these two games is the lowest of all players.

Statistics say Reese’s performances are not helping her team win basketball games. If this continues, the ownership and head coach might be forced to bench her. The team has the personnel to win basketball games, but somewhere facts are pointing out that their most popular player is holding them back.

Angel Reese needs to bounce back

The Chicago Sky will play the Los Angeles Sparks in their next game. The Sparks are looking to reach the playoffs, which could see them try to win against the Chicago Sky. But the Sparks do not have the length and physicality to match the Sky’s interior.

Angel Reese has to bounce back with a solid performance
Angel Reese has to bounce back with a solid performance (Image via WNBA/X)

Both Reese and Cardoso could be too much of a problem for the Sparks. But for that to happen, both the Sky’s big women need to follow a game plan. Reese can use this opportunity to prove to the WNBA world that her embarrassing performance against the Liberty was a one-off.

She can use her strength to not only score a decent amount of points but also grab enough rebounds to give her team second chances. The 23-year-old has to work with her coaches to figure out how to return to the form she displayed in her rookie season. Only then can she avoid discussions about her abilities as a basketball player.

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