Angel Reese helped the Atlanta Dream cruise to a 104-69 win over the Connecticut Sun on Thursday, contributing 8 points, 15 rebounds, 3 steals, and 4 blocks.
According to Underdog WNBA, since 2018, only four-time MVP A’ja Wilson has reached or posted better numbers. Still, Reese shot just 3-for-13 and went 0-for-2 from 3-point range.
Despite the rough shooting night, Reese made a major impact on the defensive end, helping the Dream control the game from start to finish. Her unusual stat line quickly sparked divided reactions across the WNBA world.
Angel Reese’s Near Double-Double Sparks Debate As WNBA Community Praises Her Defense, Rips Shooting
The Dream held Connecticut to 21-for-70 shooting, with Reese playing a major role in finishing defensive possessions. The 6-foot-4 forward grabbed more rebounds (15) than the Sun’s entire starting unit, which combined for 14.
Early in the second quarter, Reese completed a sequence that drew particular attention online.
“Yoooooooooo!!! Angel Reese just hustled TWO blocks and a ‘gimme that [expletive]’ steal IN THE SAME PLAY off Brittney Griner. DPOY contender fa sho,” an X user wrote.
The Dream’s offense, meanwhile, had no trouble compensating for Reese’s struggles. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard scored 29 points apiece, combining for 15-for-23 shooting and 9-for-13 from 3-point range as Atlanta pulled away.
Still, Reese remained the central talking point because of the contrast between her defensive production and inefficient shooting numbers.
“Angel Reese is the LeBron of the WNBA. Doesn’t get back on defense so she can cherry-pick easy layups. Except she can’t make layups,” House of Lowlights posted.
“Serious question… How did Angel Reese get a spot on the USA basketball team?? 8 points. 3-13 field goals. 2 turnovers. 0-2 3-pointers. This is atrocious!!!” a Caitlin Clark supporter added.
“Angel Reese DOMINATED the Sun defensively in the first half,” a women’s basketball site tweeted.
“Angel Reese had 15 rebounds. Angel Reese had 4 blocks. Angel Reese had 3 steals. She’s an elite basketball player,” ESPN’s Sam Block pushed back against the star forward’s critics.
Reese’s offensive numbers remained a target for others.
“Angel Reese. 3/13 FG. 3/11 from 4 feet within the basket. 0/2 from 3.
6/41 from 3 on the season. Can’t score a point outside the paint. Her prayups didn’t work cause Griner was in the lineup,” another X user tweeted.
Reese’s 4 blocks marked a career high, while her rebounding and defensive activity helped Atlanta maintain control throughout the blowout.
The 104-69 result ultimately highlighted both sides of Reese’s game. Her scoring was inefficient, but her rebounding, blocks, and steals were central to Atlanta’s defensive dominance.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.