The spotlight on Angel Reese has been undeniably intense since her impressive 2023 NCAA championship win with LSU. However, her latest performance has sparked some serious debate, especially after a viral statement regarding the WNBA and an explosive series of on-court moments that left fans and analysts questioning whether she is truly the game-changer many believed her to be.

In a twist that many didn’t expect, Reese—who has been compared to Caitlin Clark for her on-court dominance and fiery personality—recently found herself in the middle of controversy after a public threat to boycott the WNBA. But after the dust settled, it was her actual performance that stole the headlines, and not in the way she would have hoped.

The WNBA Boycott Threat

It all started with a bombshell statement from Angel Reese herself. Following a few disappointing seasons for the LSU Tigers and some frustrations surrounding her future in the WNBA, Reese made waves by hinting at the possibility of boycotting the league unless certain conditions were met. Among those demands, Reese called for a more equitable financial structure, greater visibility for women’s sports, and increased sponsorships for athletes like herself.

While Reese’s frustration with the current state of women’s professional basketball is understandable—especially in a league where pay disparity has been an ongoing issue—her comments sparked an immediate reaction from fans, fellow players, and media personalities. Many agreed with her points, while others felt her public threat may have been premature and overdramatic, given her relatively early stage in her career.

The response from fans on social media was mixed, with some rallying behind her message, while others felt it was an unwise move that might have distracted from the real work of improving the women’s game. But Reese wasn’t fazed. She doubled down on her words, stating she was ready to take a stand for what she believed in.

However, the real controversy came when she took the court after the media firestorm.

A BRICKLAYING CLINIC?

After the WNBA boycott comments set the stage, Angel Reese’s next game was eagerly anticipated. Fans and critics alike were ready to see if she could back up her words with a performance that matched the intensity and importance of the moment. But unfortunately for Reese, her showing in the subsequent game left much to be desired.

What followed could only be described as a “bricklaying clinic.” Reese’s shooting was off, her decision-making lacked precision, and she missed multiple easy shots that would have been routine for a player of her caliber. Whether it was nerves, pressure from the surrounding drama, or simply a bad game, Reese’s struggles on the court were impossible to ignore.

She went 1-9 from the field in the first half, missing shot after shot, and by the end of the game, her shooting percentage hovered near the 20% mark. It was a rare, forgettable performance that sharply contrasted with her usual excellence.

“Angel Reese is a great player, but this? This was a far cry from what we’ve seen,” said a prominent basketball analyst. “She was supposed to be the face of LSU basketball and one of the next big stars of the WNBA, but today, it looked like she was just trying to find her rhythm. If this is the ‘dominance’ people expect, then maybe she needs to take a step back and refocus.”

Her performance led to even more pointed comparisons to Caitlin Clark, her NCAA rival, who has dominated the women’s basketball scene for the last few seasons. Clark’s ability to hit clutch shots under pressure is what has separated her from most players in the college game, and Reese’s latest performance only amplified the conversation about whether or not she truly has the same level of consistency and shooting touch that Clark is known for.

She’s No Caitlin Clark

It’s no secret that Caitlin Clark has earned a reputation as one of the most electrifying and consistent players in women’s college basketball. Her scoring ability, clutch performances, and sharp shooting have made her a household name, and for some fans, Clark has become the gold standard of women’s basketball.

In contrast, Reese’s game has often been more focused on physicality, rebounding, and defense. While she certainly has the tools to be an all-around player, her shooting—particularly from long range—has been a point of criticism, and that showed during this particular outing. Caitlin Clark is known for her deadly three-point shooting and her ability to carry a team in critical moments, whereas Reese, while dominant on the boards and inside the paint, hasn’t quite developed that same all-around scoring threat.

After the game, many on social media pointed out that while Reese’s physicality and aggression on defense are unmatched, her shooting inconsistencies are holding her back from truly reaching the same heights as Clark. “Angel Reese is a force, but she’s no Caitlin Clark. That’s a fact,” said a fan on Twitter, echoing the sentiments of many others who watched the game unfold.

While it’s unfair to fully judge a player based on one off game, especially given Reese’s resume and potential, her shooting woes were glaring. If she wants to rise to the level of superstars like Clark and establish herself as a top player in the WNBA, she’ll need to address the gaps in her offensive game.

Moving Forward: Will Reese Bounce Back?

Despite the disappointment of her recent performance, Angel Reese has shown in the past that she can bounce back from adversity. Her leadership on the floor, especially when it comes to defense and rebounding, remains a huge asset to any team, and she’ll undoubtedly work on improving her offensive game moving forward.

As for her potential WNBA career, Reese is still one of the most highly-touted prospects in women’s basketball. If she can hone her shooting consistency and develop a more well-rounded offensive game, she has the chance to become a true superstar in the league.

But until then, Reese will have to work on silencing the critics who were quick to point out that while she may have the passion and energy of a champion, her game still has room to grow. The comparison to Caitlin Clark, for better or worse, will likely continue to loom over her as long as she remains one of the most exciting—and controversial—players in women’s basketball.

Conclusion: A Rocky Road Ahead for Angel Reese

Angel Reese’s recent performance served as a reminder that while talent and charisma can carry a player far, consistency is key when it comes to superstardom. Her comments about the WNBA and the boycott threat may have been bold, but her on-court performance following those comments didn’t back up the hype. For now, she has more questions to answer, and if she wants to live up to the comparisons to Caitlin Clark, she’ll need to improve her game—especially her shooting consistency—before she can truly take her place as one of the best in the sport.

Only time will tell if Reese can rise above the pressure, perfect her skills, and prove to the world that she’s ready to step into the spotlight in a big way. For now, fans will be watching closely as this rollercoaster ride of highs and lows continues.