Angel Reese’s behavior during WNBA Finals draws scrutiny

Imagn Images

Angel Reese’s behavior during WNBA Finals draws scrutiny

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 23, 2026 1:44 PM ET

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream now have homecourt advantage in the WNBA Finals. They stole it from the Golden State Valkyries following their 79-65 Game 2 win on Monday at Chase Center. However, the star forward’s behavior during a particular play has been drawing scrutiny from fans.

She powered the No. 4-seeded team with a game-high 30 points and 16 rebounds. Reese shot 10-of-16 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line, adding three assists, one steal and two blocks. Allisha Gray produced 18 points and five rebounds, while Jordin Canada missed a triple-double by three rebounds. She supplied 13 points and 10 assists.

Reese and Co. have a chance to win the title if they defend home court. Games 3, 4 and 6 will all be played in Atlanta, giving them a stronger chance to lift the championship trophy.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) in the second half against the Indiana Fever.

Angel Reese draws backlash for quitting on a play

Reese positioned herself twice on the post and demanded the ball. However, her teammates decided to swing it instead and did not pass the ball to her, which upset the 24-year-old. She stomped her feet and went to the three-point line, refusing to position herself for a potential offensive rebound.

Terrible look from Angel Reese, who started stomping her feet and quit on a play in the WNBA Finals because her teammates wouldn’t pass her the ball.

She literally just walked away mid-possession rather than get in position for an offensive rebound. https://t.co/BZVIM00CGx

— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) October 20, 2026

Fans called her out for supposedly quitting in the comments section.

“It’s a bad look no matter how good of a game she was having,” one user commented.

“Let her keep exposing her self,” a reaction read.

“Gotta bench anyone that does that,” one fan said.

“Put up numbers this game, sure. But this just shows how much her head wasnt in “we are a team” versus its “me me me.” She literally walked away at the best time to receive the ball. Low IQ immature basketball,” posted another.

“GROW UP ANGEL!!!” a comment read.

“Just because she scored 30 doesn’t excuse the grade school temper tantrum,” another fan wrote.

Game 3 will be played on Wednesday at State Farm Arena. Atlanta fans are expected to cheer loudly for the team, which could hype Reese even more. CNBC will broadcast the game live starting at 8 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: