Angel Reese set a new WNBA single-game rebounding record on Monday, but the historic achievement was overshadowed by questions of stat-padding after she scored an uncontested layup in the final seconds of the Atlanta Dream's 78-71 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks.

Reese recorded 26 rebounds, surpassing the previous record of 24 held by Chamique Holdsclaw since 2003. Her 20th rebound of the night also moved her past A'ja Wilson for the most rebounds in a WNBA season. Despite these milestones, the closing moments of the game sparked debate.

With Atlanta leading 76-69 and just 15 seconds remaining, Reese received a full-court pass and scored an uncontested layup. Critics argued that this basket, which brought her total to 11 points and secured her 27th double-double of the season, was unnecessary and solely intended to inflate her statistics, especially since the game's outcome was already decided.

This incident drew comparisons to a similar situation in 2024 when Reese was playing for the Chicago Sky. In a game against the Dream, Reese needed one point to maintain her double-double streak. With seconds left and her team leading, she received an inbound pass and scored a layup, which some observers also viewed as stat-padding.

Reese's performance included 26 rebounds, but her shooting was inefficient, with 4-for-14 shooting from the field prior to the final layup. Four of her 10 missed shots were within five feet of the basket, and she was blocked by Sparks forward Cameron Brink multiple times.

Following the game, Reese's response to a reporter's congratulatory remark about setting a "WNBA record" (which the reporter initially misstated as an "NBA record") also drew criticism. When the reporter corrected himself, Reese reportedly replied, "No, I don't cuz I be setting NBA records, too." This comment was perceived by some as arrogant, particularly in light of the controversy surrounding the late layup.

Reese is now one double-double away from tying the WNBA single-season record of 28 held by Alyssa Thomas, with six games remaining in the season.