Angel Reese’s Teammate Speaks Out: “Her Crown is Heavy”
Angel Reese had herself a standout night on Tuesday as the WNBA season heats up, showing out in the Chicago Sky’s hard-fought loss to the reigning champs, the New York Liberty. But while her on-court performance drew praise, the post-game presser took a sharp turn.
In a moment that perfectly captured both grace and sisterhood, a reporter asked Reese if having a strong stat line like the one she posted would help her deal with the wave of online hate she often receives. Reese stayed poised and responded:
“I don’t dwell on that negativity; instead, I choose to focus on the love and support I get in person.”
But before anyone could fire off another question, her teammate, veteran baller Ariel Atkins, wasn’t having it. She shut it all down real quick.
“Can I say something? This is a 23-year-old kid,” Atkins said, via The Athletic. “And the amount of crap she gets on a day-to-day and she still shows up. Whatever questions y’all got about our team, basketball-wise, we appreciate it, but all the other nonsense, like it’s irrelevant. This is a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy.”
Ariel Atkins Doubles Down On Her Support For Angel Reese
Atkins didn’t just drop a quick word of support—she gave a whole sermon that echoed loud throughout the W. With two All-Star nods and a championship under her belt, Atkins spoke from a place of experience and authority.
“(Reese) has to have a wall because if she doesn’t, people will break her down,” Atkins continued. “Not only because of the way she looks but because of the way she carries herself. She doesn’t just walk around acting like, ‘Oh, I’m this.’ No, she knows who she is, and we’re not going to break her down for that. So whatever other questions y’all got, I’m hoping it’s just about basketball, maybe a box score question, but the kid’s crown is heavy. Like, respect that.”
Atkins’ words come at a time when Reese has been the center of online discourse—some rooted in admiration, but plenty drenched in double standards and disrespect.
This moment was less about a post-game quote and more about the power of protecting our own. In a league where Black women are often unfairly scrutinized, Atkins reminded the media—and the world—that Angel is not standing alone.
Racial Allegations, WNBA Scrutiny & Reese vs. Clark
Just last month, Angel Reese’s name was all over the headlines again—this time, not for buckets, but for alleged racist remarks aimed her way during a game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
The WNBA launched an investigation into the matter after fans claimed racial slurs had been thrown in Reese’s direction. Days later, the league said they couldn’t substantiate the claims. But that didn’t stop the culture from reacting—because even when the receipts are missing, the vibes don’t lie.
When Angel and Caitlin met in Indiana last month, it was far from their first run-in. That game marked their seventh time going head-to-head. From LSU vs. Iowa to the WNBA, this rivalry runs deep.
They’ve faced off twice in national championship matchups. Reese’s LSU Tigers snatched the 2022-23 title, while Clark’s Hawkeyes claimed revenge in the rematch—pulling in a jaw-dropping 12.3 million viewers. And now? They’re both lighting up the pros with that same fire.