Angel Reese Shrugs Off Fines While Calling Out Officials After Close Loss to Lynx

Angel Reese and her Chicago Sky look to have turned the corner after some impressive performances over the past 4 games.

Angel Reese Shrugs Off Fines While Calling Out Officials After Close Loss to Lynx

Angel Reese (Image via FirstSportz)

Angel Reese and her Chicago Sky did not start the season as they would have expected. They lost 10 out of their opening 13 games, with the 3 wins coming against teams who were below them in the standings.

In that period, most of the blame fell on her as well as the coaching staff. Reese was criticized for not developing her game in the offseason, as she continued to struggle to convert layups around the rim.

Then, many questioned the coaching staff’s ability to place the best team on the court, as they went through many iterations of their starting 5. Courtney Vandersloot‘s season ending injury further dampened their situation.

Two wins over the last three games gave the Sky the confidence they had been lacking. With that confidence, they faced the best team in the league and last year’s WNBA Finalists, the Minnesota Lynx.

Reese and the Sky kept the game close, but ended up losing 75-80. Ironically, the Sky attempted just 8 free throws to the Lynx’s 17. After the game, Angel Reese decided to address the officiating problem.

Obviously, you know, we can compete with the best. But that has to be fixed, and I don’t give a damn if I get fined because that (expletive) cheap, and I am tired of this (expletive). Because I’ve been nice and humble with it, but I am tired of this (expletive).

Angel Reese said at the press conference

The 23-year-old added that when she asked officials about the no-calls, she was given an inconclusive answer. She wants the WNBA to fix the lopsided officiating which is costing fans a good and fair game.

Angel Reese continues taking shots at WNBA officiating

Angel Reese also pointed out at the post-game press conference that she and her teammates were not getting calls inside the paint. After the game, the rebounding phenom took to X to retweet a picture that proves her point.

The picture shows Minnesota Lynx guard Bridget Carleton guarding the Sky forward. Her right hand looks to be hitting Reese’s right hand from the top, and her left was firmly grabbing the 23-year-old’s waist. On the other side, Alanna Smith‘s hand was also hitting Reese’s left hand.

This proves the rebounding phenom’s position that Lynx players were getting physical inside the paint, but were not called for fouls in the same manner the Sky were on the other end. The LSU star termed this as ‘diabolical’ and also asked the WNBA to do better.

Usually such complaints about officiating leads to a fine from the league. Angel Reese does not seem to care, as she has enough endorsement money to take care of those fines. Instead, she prefers to make a point by ensuring the league knows how bad the officiating is.

Angel Reese sets another WNBA record

The loss was for the Chicago Sky, and they would be returning East with the motivation to get it right in their next game. However, it was a personal victory for Angel Reese, who went on to set another WNBA record.

Angel Reese dominated inside
Angel Reese dominated inside (Image via Chicago Sky/X)

The Maryland native tallied 16 points and 17 rebounds to notch her 5th straight double-double. It was also the 5th straight game where she grabbed 15+ rebounds. That set a new WNBA record for such a stretch.

After notching her 2nd All-Star call-up, the 23-year-old has added another feather in her cap. Usually, she posts such accomplishments on her official social media accounts. But in light of this officiating controversy, she has not done so.

However, it would be another slap in the face of her critics who held the belief that the LSU star was not good enough to have a successful WNBA career. Her personal accolades are in place, now if her team can start to win games, it will help her clap back at her haters.

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