Angel Reese Criticized for 'Classless' Taunt in WNBA Playoffs, Teammate Intervenes
Veteran DeWanna Bonner pulled down Reese's hands as she waved goodbye to defeated opponents.
Angel Reese faced criticism for a taunting gesture directed at the Washington Mystics after the Atlanta Dream secured a playoff series sweep.
As the final buzzer sounded in Game 2, with the Dream winning 93-75 to advance to the WNBA semifinals, Reese and teammate Allisha Gray were seen waving goodbye to their opponents. The gesture appeared to draw disapproval from veteran DeWanna Bonner, who is in her 17th WNBA season. Bonner was observed discreetly pulling down the hands of both Reese and Gray.
Social media reactions quickly labeled Reese's action as "classless" and "mean." One user commented on the need for an adult to guide another adult toward respectful behavior, while another noted it seemed contrary to Reese's perceived maturity growth.
Conversely, Bonner's intervention was widely praised as "vet leadership" and "sportsmanship." Fans suggested her experience and maturity were exactly what the Dream needed for their playoff run.
Reese scored 15 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and recorded three blocks in the decisive Game 2 victory. Following the game, she emphasized the team's focus on managing emotions and valuing possessions.
"Our memo was to manage emotions better and value possessions more, and that's what we did the entire time. We've stayed dialed in all year," Reese stated. "I think the team came together tonight and the best team came out on top."
Head coach Karl Smesko echoed Reese's sentiments, highlighting the team's collective effort towards winning and advancing. "All we cared about was winning and advancing, and everyone did their part," Smesko said.
The Atlanta Dream will now face the New York Liberty in the semifinals, after the Liberty upset the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in their first-round series.
