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Angel Reese and missing layups. What’s new, right? This conversation has been a big debate for her critics, especially after last August’s stat sheet revealed she was shooting just 45% from less than 5 feet and an abysmal 11% from 5-9 feet from the basket. But Reese has always handled the hate in her own fiery style. Yet, it’s like her critics have a radar, and the conversation keeps circling back, especially now in Unrivaled.

So, what sparked the latest round of shade? A clip posted by NBA Centel showed Reese in action during a matchup against the Mist. In the video, the 22-year-old dribbled down the court, got slowed by Breanna Stewart’s defense, hesitated near the basket, and well, instead of taking the shot, she passed the ball.

The caption read, “ANGEL REESE WITH THE HESI. 🔥🔥🔥” For those not in the know, “hesi” refers to a hesitation move—a quick pause in the dribble to fake out a defender.

But let’s just say fans weren’t buying it this time, calling it less of a ‘hesi’ and more of a hesitation to shoot.

No Comment on Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese as WNBA Coach Prides Over Overseas Women’s Basketball Instead

Despite it all, Reese and her team still pulled off the win 71-66. The Chi-Town Barbie quietly contributed with six points, four rebounds, and one assist, adding to her season average of 10 rebounds per game. But this isn’t the first time Reese has faced heat in Unrivaled.

On opening night, her team, Rose BC, lost 79-73 to Vinyl BC. Reese had a solid double-double performance with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, but a clip of her missing two back-to-back layups and ending up on the floor made the rounds on social media, and people wasted no time roasting her.

Fans were tearing into her dribbling and finishing skills in The NBA Centel’s comment section, with one calling her “basically Dennis Rodman with no layup or dribble ability.” The comparison isn’t completely off-base. Reese, much like Rodman, is an absolute monster on the boards.

The Hall of Famer dominated the ’90s with seven straight seasons of leading the league in rebounding, and Reese mirrors that energy on the glass. But critics argue she’s Rodman minus the offense, unable to convert her rebounds into effective plays.

Another fan took a jab by comparing her to Luke Kornet, saying, “Reminds me of Luke Kornet, nothing but tall.” Kornet, despite his towering 7’1” frame, often struggles to translate his size into impact due to his lack of explosiveness, averaging just 4.9 points. 

Fans seemed to suggest that Reese’s physicality (6’3) and presence on the court don’t always lead to good results. Then there was this comment that read, “Clearly she can’t dribble from the top of the key, guess it’s fair to try something different from the post moves that don’t work either.” 

This referred to Reese’s attempt to switch things up, dribbling from the key, only for the play to fall flat. Fans haven’t forgotten her shaky history of finishing at the rim. She attempted to try something different, but as usual, it didn’t work out. It seems like no matter what she tries, it just doesn’t come together for her.

One fan outright questioned, “She really doesn’t practice anything, does she?” It’s harsh, especially since Reese spent her offseason posting videos of herself grinding in the gym, working on her shot and other skills she’s been criticized for.

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But when that effort doesn’t translate immediately to the court, it fuels comments like this. While it’s a bit much, fans are clearly frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of progress. And, obviously, no Angel Reese discussion is complete without dragging Caitlin Clark into the mix.

One fan mocked Reese and her supporters, saying, “There’s real human beings that think she’s better than Caitlin 😂😂😂😂😂.” The Reese-Clark comparisons are eternal, and Clark’s consistent offensive dominance keeps her ahead in many fans’ eyes. Every time Reese struggles, it’s ammunition for those arguing she’ll never match Clark’s level.

While the criticism is relentless, there’s no denying Reese’s impact as a rebounder. Until she silences the noise by addressing her layup woes on the court, it seems the haters will keep coming.