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Jun 10, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) looks to post up against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

'When The Hate Don’t Work, They Start Telling Lies': Angel Reese’s Agent Backs Up Chicago Sky Star Acknowledging Struggles With Critics

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 7:38 AM ET

Angel Reese faced a multitude of criticisms and challenges early in her second WNBA season. However, on Wednesday, the Chicago Sky star gave her candid response amidst the hurdles: she’s not backing down.

Reese expressed her feelings on Instagram, where she shared several photos of herself and teammates before and after games. She also posted quotes sharing the same message of her not yielding to the objections of many, who pointed at her performances on the court.

The “Bayou Barbie”wrote her post: “Every successful person you admire survived a season you didn’t see. Idols turn into rivals. Everything becomes about survival,” gaining 195k likes. Many of Angel Reese’s friends, including her agent, Jeanine Ogbonnaya, showed their support

“when the hate don’t work, they start telling lies

,” Ogbonnaya wrote.

“My main apple scrapple

,” Angel Webb, mother of Reese, added.

“

,” LA Sparks’ Cameron Brink commented.

“Keep going 5!

,” Reese’s teammate Kamilla Cardoso wrote.

“period !,” French Open winner Coco Gauff remarked.

“Bars on Bars!!! Keep Going A5 babyyyyyy

,” Brittney Sykes added.

Averaging 10.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists this season, Angel Reese achieved milestones in her previous games. She became the fastest player to record 30 double-digits and gain 500 points and 500 rebounds. However, her 35.8% efficiency remains frowned upon by many, pointing to her missed shots being the source of her rebounds.

Moreover, the Sky is also deeply struggling, being twelfth overall in the East with a 2-6 standing. They’ve also lost two of their last matches.

Angel Reese’s teammate defends her amidst criticisms

After the Sky’s game against the New York Liberty on Tuesday, Angel Reese finds a fierce defender in Ariel Atkins, who defended the former LSU Tiger amidst the criticisms aimed at her throughout the season.

Jun 10, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) drives past New York Liberty center Nyara Sabally (8) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

During the interview, Atkins sternly warned about the slams surrounding Reese, calling it “irrelevant” to the team’s current situation.

“This is a 23-year-old kid. And the amount of crap that she gets on the day to day, and she still shows up,” Atkins said. “So whatever questions y’all got about our team, basketball-wise, we appreciate it. But all the other nonsense, it’s irrelevant. We’re here to play basketball and do what we do. We’re having a hard time right now, at the end of the day.”

May 29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Rebecca Allen (9), guard Ariel Atkins (7), guard Courtney Vandersloot (22), center Kamilla Cardoso (10), and forward Angel Reese (5) are seen during the first half against the Dallas Wings at the Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

The former Texas Longhorn also praised Reese’s grace under pressure.

“That’s a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy. So whatever else y’all want to come at her for the way that she acts, she has to build a wall. She has to have a wall. Because if she doesn’t, people will break her down,” Atkins added.

Angel Reese and the Sky will face the 6-3 Atlanta Dream next on Friday.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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