Angel Reese Draws Criticism for On-Court Outburst in WNBA Finals

Atlanta Dream player Angel Reese drew criticism for her on-court behavior during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night. Video captured Reese stomping her feet and gesturing angrily towards her teammates after they did not pass her the ball during an offensive play in the third quarter.

Reese, who finished the game with 30 points and 16 rebounds in the Dream's 79-65 victory over the Golden State Valkyries to tie the series at 1-1, was attempting to get open. After several unsuccessful attempts to gain her teammates' attention, a visibly frustrated Reese waved her arms before turning away from the play in apparent disgust. She was then out of position to contest a rebound after a teammate's shot missed.

The incident quickly drew reactions on social media, with several users criticizing Reese's emotional display. Comments on X, formerly Twitter, included remarks about her being a "great role model" with "tantrums," and questioning her "emotional maturity" and "impulse control."

This incident occurred amidst another pre-game controversy. For the second consecutive game, neither the Dream nor the Valkyries were on the court when the national anthem was performed. The players were shown heading to the locker room minutes before Alanis Morissette began singing "The Star-Spangled Banner." Both teams returned to the court shortly after the performance concluded.

While the specific reasons for the teams leaving the court have not been explicitly stated this season, the WNBA's official rulebook requires players to stand and line up during the national anthem. The Daily Mail has contacted the WNBA for comment regarding the anthem situation and whether the teams could face disciplinary action.

The Dream have a history of not participating in pre-game ceremonies. In 2020, the team protested during the anthem, citing a statement from the Women's National Basketball Players Association that argued "the anthem does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans." It is important to note that none of the current Dream players were on the roster in 2020.

Reese's performance in Game 2 marked a significant individual achievement, making her the third player in WNBA history to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game.