Angel Reese made history on Monday by setting a new WNBA single-game rebounding record in the Atlanta Dream’s 78-71 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. She grabbed 26 rebounds, surpassing the previous record of 24 held by Chamique Holdsclaw since 2003. Reese’s 20th rebound of the night also surpassed A’ja Wilson’s record for the most rebounds in a WNBA season.
Despite this remarkable achievement, Reese’s performance faced scrutiny due to her actions during the game’s final seconds. With Atlanta leading 76-69 and 20 seconds remaining, Reese ended the game with an uncontested layup. This move raised concerns about stat-padding, as Atlanta already had a commanding lead.
Reese’s shooting performance throughout the game was lackluster. She made just 4 out of 14 field goal attempts, with several missed layups and shots blocked by Sparks forward Cameron Brink. Despite these struggles, Reese still made the controversial decision to go for an additional basket with only seconds left on the clock.
Controversial Layup Raises Questions
The layup increased Reese’s points from nine to 11, marking her 27th double-double of the season. Although the rebound record had been secured, Reese’s actions were criticized as unnecessary since the game outcome was already decided.
This incident wasn’t Reese’s first experience with a controversial double-double. During a game in 2024, when playing for Chicago, she similarly secured a double-double through late-game scoring. Such moments continue to draw criticism for prioritizing personal stats over team performance.
Response to a Mistake
Postgame, Reese responded sharply when a reporter mistakenly referenced her achievements as NBA records. Instead of correcting the slip with humor, Reese’s comment appeared boastful.
Reese indeed broke two significant WNBA records, but her actions post-record have sparked debate. Her tendency to focus on personal stats even in settled games continues to be a divisive topic among sports analysts and fans alike.
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