Angel Reese facing backlash for behavior during Dream game

Angel Reese dominated the paint against the Dallas Wings on Tuesday. She recorded her second consecutive double-double of the campaign with 12 points and 16 rebounds. The 6-foot-3 center also led the Atlanta Dream to back-to-back victories to start the season.

Atlanta acquired Reese on April 6 from the Chicago Sky via an offseason trade. She is coming off a strong 2025 season, averaging 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals. However, injuries limited her to only 30 games. The LSU product has since returned to full strength and has been on fire this year.

Reese has already shown she has adjusted to her new team’s system. She is continuing to forge a strong partnership with three-time All-Star guard Allisha Gray, which would be huge for the Dream’s aspirations.

Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese criticized for ‘too small’ celly

Reese established herself as the league’s best rebounder in the last two seasons. However, critics have continuously targeted her for her inability to convert layups. Some even accused her of stat-padding or intentionally missing shots for more rebounds.

On Tuesday against the Wings, she made a layup off an offensive rebound. Reese positioned herself well inside the paint and celebrated by doing the “too small” gesture with her hand after the basket.

Angel Reese finally made a layup and got way too excited.

She hit every celebration she could think of. pic.twitter.com/5rFwLu32TR

— House of Lowlights (@HouseLowlights) May 13, 2026

Fans had plenty to say about her behavior during this specific moment in the game. Viewers directed shots at her in the comments section.

“she always goes in and heaves the ball up at the rim like it’s a giant slab of concrete,” one fan wrote.

“I just don’t get Angel Reese’s game. She has the size and the willingness to get in the paint, but then she only manages to jump a couple of inches for a lay up, which is always awkward. She’s just not very good,” a comment read.

“everyone’s just watching the shot without boxing out,” another said.

“Why do her layups look like she’s throwing shot put?” a user commented.

“Even a broken clock gets it right twice a day,” a reaction read.

“That was the first layup she ever made so why shouldn’t she be excited,” one user said.

Reese remained unbothered by the boos and continued to engage with Dallas fans. She had the last laugh on the night as the Dream won 77-72 to improve to 2-0. They will return to action on Sunday at home against A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/angel-reese-backlash-behavior-atlanta-dream/