Angel Reese etched her name in the WNBA record books on Monday after recording 26 rebounds in a 78-71 win over the Los Angeles Sparks.
This gave Reese the highest rebounding total in a single game in league history. However, even on a record-breaking night, the forward was criticized online for her inefficient shooting as she finished the game going 4-for-14 from the field.
Radio host David Shepard took issue with the criticism and pushed back against the narrative surrounding Reese.
Radio Host Defends Angel Reese, Claiming She is Being UnderminedShepard shared a video on YouTube, titled “The Angel Reese Disrespect has gone TOO far,” pushing back against the “mebounding” narrative she has had to face since her rookie season.
“It was coming up with a term known as mebounds,” he said. “First of all, she shoots 44% from the floor, that’s not bad. Not everyone’s gonna be Wilt Chamberlain out there. … I find it harmful.”
He continued, saying that it is okay to criticize Reese, but not for her record-breaking performance on Monday.
“You can be critical of her game … but when we’re celebrating Angel Reese for having 26 rebounds in a game on Monday, which is the most ever in WNBA history … and there’s pushback against her, I don’t understand that.”
Shepard also expressed that he doesn’t agree with Reese being the seventh pick in 2024, saying that she should’ve been picked higher.
“I don’t love the fact that she was picked seventh overall back in 2024 when she was clearly the second-best player in the country behind Caitlin Clark.”
Reese has faced significant criticism on social media since her rookie year, with many citing her shot diet and shooting inefficiency. She averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds in 2024, shooting 39.1%.
Her shooting has improved over the last two seasons, with Reese averaging 15.4 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, shooting 44.7% over 67 games. Despite the improvement, she continues to be criticized.
See Also: WNBA Community Roasts Angel Reese Remark Despite Historic Sparks-Dream Game
Reese’s rebounding, however, has remained the strongest part of her game. The three-time All-Star has established herself as one of the league’s premier rebounders, giving Atlanta a valuable presence on both ends of the floor.
Following her move to the Dream in April, Reese is set to make her first-ever playoff appearance after the franchise clinched a postseason berth earlier this month.
Atlanta is fourth in the standings, holding a 25-13 record with six games remaining on its schedule.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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