Too often, the criticism aimed at Angel Reese crowds out the support for the Atlanta Dream forward. For a change, a high-profile analyst hailed Reese as a vital cog to a title-seeking WNBA squad.
On Thursday’s episode of “Nightcap,” Shannon Sharpe acknowledged how Reese has been painted as somewhat of an antagonist during her public feud with the Chicago Sky last season. According to Sharpe, the two-time All-Star’s problems with the Sky organization do not outweigh her actual skills on the court.
“She’s been the villain ever since she played Caitlin Clark in the national championship game…That doesn’t diminish who or what she is. She is a lunch pail lady who’s gonna get you second chance opportunities…She’s the type of person you can win a championship with.”
Sharpe’s praise comes on the heels of a 108-101 Atlanta victory over the Indiana Fever. In this road win, Reese had a team-high 21 points and 11 rebounds.
Through the first 14 games of the season, Reese is averaging 15.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per outing. She is one of only three WNBA players to average a double-double at this point in the 2026 campaign.
By all indications, the 24-year-old forward is in a happy place as she settles into her new home of Atlanta. Though her critics won’t stop taking shots at her any time soon, sports minds like Sharpe know exactly what she brings to a promising Dream roster this season.
“I’m Joking Around on the Bench”: Angel Reese Opens Up on Banter With Teammates Amidst Tight Battle With Fever
In the first half of this Fever-Dream matchup, Angel Reese picked up four personal fouls. After the game, Reese opened up on her interaction with her teammates on the Atlanta bench as she waited for head coach Karl Smesko to put her back in.
“They were laughing with me, saying that they don’t want me on the bench any more because I’m joking around…I just tried to stay on the court as much as I can.”
Reese added that it’s a “breath of fresh air” to know that her team is still in great shape even when she’s on the bench, given the depth of the Dream’s roster.
READ MORE: Angel Reese Couldn’t Hide Her Excitement Over Serena and Venus Williams Running It Back At Wimbledon
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
