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Matt Barnes Reacts to Angel Reese’s Record-Breaking Start in the WNBA

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated May 20, 2025 9:54 AM ET

In just 35 games, Angel Reese has made WNBA history—and former NBA champion Matt Barnes has taken notice.

The Chicago Sky star officially became the fastest player in league history to record 450+ points and 450+ rebounds, a stat that cements her as one of the most impactful young stars the WNBA has ever seen. No player has matched that production in so few games.

And while social media flooded with posts and praise for Reese’s accomplishment, one subtle reaction stood out. On Monday, Matt Barnes reposted a picture of Reese’s milestone to his Instagram story. The post, originally from Playmaker, featured a confident Reese in her Sky uniform, standing tall beside the record. Barnes added no caption—just a single emoji: a salute to Reese for her accomplishment.

It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t dramatic. But it was unmistakably a nod of respect.

Reese’s career continues to silence critics

The viral image he shared lists the numbers clearly: 450+ points and 450+ rebounds in just 35 games. That’s a bar no player in WNBA history had ever reached that quickly.

Angel Reese is the fastest player in WNBA history to record 450+ PTS & 450+ REB. pic.twitter.com/JyEksIgJ5X
— Polymarket Hoops (@StatMamba) May 17, 2025

Reese, who was already in headlines for her growing rivalry with Caitlin Clark and her All-Star level impact, now adds a statistical milestone to back up her game. As debate continues around who the true breakout star of this WNBA season is, Barnes’ quiet signal might say more than any tweet ever could.

After all, if a former NBA pro can tip his hat without saying a word, maybe the league—and the world—should keep watching.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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