Angel Reese has once again stolen the spotlight, but this time, it’s for more than just her dominant performance on the court. In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, the LSU Tigers star forward displayed her undeniable skill, but it was her taunting of a Laces player that quickly became the talk of the town. While the intensity of her play was expected, Reese’s bold antics have raised questions about the line between competitive spirit and sportsmanship.

But there’s more to the story. As the WNBA continues to fight for more mainstream recognition, it seems that the league’s Friday night games—particularly the Friday Unrivaled series—are suffering from dismal ratings, sparking concerns among both fans and league officials.

Angel Reese’s Dominant Performance

Reese came into the game as one of the hottest players in women’s college basketball, and she delivered in spectacular fashion. From the opening tip, Reese asserted her dominance, making play after play and showcasing why she’s one of the most feared forwards in the nation. Her offensive game was as smooth as ever, with a variety of drives to the basket, pull-up jumpers, and impressive finishes around the rim.

But it wasn’t just Reese’s offensive game that stood out. She controlled the glass, grabbed rebounds with authority, and played tough defense, stifling the Laces’ best scorers. She finished the game with a double-double—27 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists—making her case for Player of the Year even stronger.

“I’ve worked hard for this,” Reese said after the game, her confidence shining through. “When my team needs me, I show up, and tonight was no different. This is what we do—we come out and dominate.”

However, it wasn’t just her play that had fans buzzing after the game.

The Taunting Moment: Angel Reese’s Bold Move

While Reese was firing on all cylinders, there was a moment that took things to another level—a taunting incident that caught the attention of viewers across the country.

Late in the third quarter, with LSU up by 20 points, Reese locked into a fierce one-on-one battle with Laces guard Jade Clark. After hitting a tough jumper over her defender, Reese turned to the Laces bench, mocking Clark’s shoes and tossing a playful but pointed taunt toward the opposing team. As Reese jogged back down the court, she shouted, “Those laces can’t tie up my game!” while gesturing toward Clark’s sneakers.

The taunt was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts. While some applauded Reese’s confidence and swagger, others criticized her for crossing the line. Social media erupted, with many commenting on the incident:

Former WNBA star Lisa Leslie tweeted, “Confidence is one thing, but there’s a fine line between playing hard and disrespecting your opponent. Angel’s a hell of a player, but I hope she learns to keep it focused next time.”

College basketball analyst Jay Bilas also weighed in, saying, “Angel Reese is a force on the court. But taunting the opponent, especially when the game is already in hand, isn’t something I personally condone. There’s no need for that kind of behavior.”

Despite the backlash, Reese seemed unbothered by the criticism. “It’s all about energy,” she explained post-game. “I’m confident in my abilities, and I want to make sure my opponents feel that energy. I’m out here to win, and I’ll let them know that.”

The WNBA’s Friday Unrivaled Ratings in Crisis

While Reese’s antics may have captivated the basketball world, they couldn’t overshadow a growing issue that the WNBA has been facing. The Friday Unrivaled series, which was launched as a way to showcase the league’s best matchups on national television, has seen ratings plummet in recent months.

According to recent reports, the Friday night games are now averaging some of the lowest viewership numbers in the league’s history, with some games barely breaking 200,000 viewers. Despite the star power on display, including Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson, the Friday night slate has struggled to capture the attention of casual fans.

Industry insiders point to a variety of factors contributing to the decline in ratings. Many suggest that the Friday night time slot competes with major sporting events, including NBA games, NFL broadcasts, and college football, making it difficult for the WNBA to attract a wide audience. Others argue that the league’s current marketing strategies aren’t resonating with potential viewers, and more needs to be done to promote the games in a way that appeals to both women’s basketball fans and casual sports enthusiasts.

“This is a real problem for the WNBA,” said sports media analyst Adam Silverman. “You have a league with some of the most talented players in the world, but they’re simply not getting the exposure they deserve. The Friday Unrivaled series had potential, but the ratings have been disappointing, and the league needs to find a way to bring in more viewers if they want to grow.”

WNBA’s Response: Can They Turn It Around?

In response to the sagging ratings, the WNBA has said they are actively exploring ways to boost viewership for their Friday night games. This includes improving the broadcast production, offering more behind-the-scenes content, and investing in social media campaigns to engage younger audiences. Additionally, the league is in discussions with potential sponsors and partners to enhance the visibility of its marquee matchups.

“We know the Friday Unrivaled series can be a key moment for the league,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Our players are performing at an elite level, and it’s our job to ensure that the world knows about it. We’ll continue to innovate and improve our marketing to make sure we connect with our fans.”

A Wake-Up Call for the WNBA and Angel Reese?

For Angel Reese, the challenge will be to maintain her competitive edge while avoiding situations that could detract from her growing legacy. While taunting has always been part of the game, especially in a sport as emotional as basketball, Reese’s actions have the potential to polarize fans. Whether it was a moment of personal flair or a bit too much, Reese may need to consider how her swagger affects her image moving forward.

Meanwhile, the WNBA faces a larger battle: how to turn around a struggling Friday night product. With Reese’s rise to stardom and her undeniable impact on the game, the league could capitalize on her popularity to attract more attention—but it will require smarter marketing, better media exposure, and perhaps a shift in scheduling to bring more eyeballs to the sport.

Angel Reese certainly has the ability to elevate the game both on and off the court, but whether the WNBA can harness that power to reignite interest remains to be seen. For now, the controversy around her taunt and the dismal Friday Unrivaled ratings serve as a wake-up call for both the player and the league to think bigger about the future of women’s basketball.

Will Reese keep up the energy and bring more fans to the sport, or will the Friday Unrivaled ratings continue to spiral? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure—Angel Reese is a force to be reckoned with.