NBA Star Loves What Angel Reese's Teammate Said About Her

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 5:08 PM ET

One of Angel Reese's Chicago Sky teammates received a shoutout from one of the NBA's best on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media alongside Reese after the team dropped to 2-6 last night, Sky guard Ariel Atkins defended Angel against the constant criticism she receives as both a person and an athlete.

"This is a 23-year-old kid and the amount of crap that she gets on a day-to-day [basis], she still shows up," Atkins said after Reese's 17-point, 11-rebound performance. "This is a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy."

"[Y'all] want to come at her for the way that she acts — she has to build the wall. She has to have the wall because if she doesn't, people will break her down. Not only just because of the way she looks, but it's because of the way she carries herself," the WNBA champ explained. "... She knows who she is and we ain't gone break her down for that. ... The kid's crown is heavy. Respect that."

One person who not only respected that, but loved it, was Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Who reacted to Atkins' comments on X: "That's a great teammate right there " the two-time MVP said.

That’s a great teammate right there https://t.co/wOC3l9srlj
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) June 11, 2025

The Sky dropped their Commissioner's Cup game to the defending champion Liberty by 19 points on Tuesday night. But it wasn't from a lack of production of Reese who shot 8-of-13 from the field.

Reese has drawn a lot of negative attention dating back to her days at LSU but she hasn't let it stop her from becoming an All-Star both on and off the court. Stating in that same press conference that all of the hate she receives is from people online.

"I get so much love in person," Reese said. "I haven't ever had a negative encounter in person, ever, and I've been going through this for three years. I've never had an encounter in person that was negative. People online are behind a keyboard for a reason and I don't worry about that stuff. I trust my work. My teammates trust me."

Chicago will attempt to get back in the win column with a Friday night matchup against the Atlanta Dream at the Gateway Center.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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