Move over, seasoned pros—Angel Reese is here, and she’s chewing up the WNBA court like it’s her breakfast. Even WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes can’t help but gush over the Chicago Sky rookie, who’s been making waves with her unapologetic playstyle and relentless hustle. Swoopes, a three-time WNBA MVP, has been singing Reese’s praises all season, and Wednesday was no different when she doubled down on her admiration for the young star.
After a nail-biting 88-87 victory over the Indiana Fever in June, where Swoopes and Reese shared a memorable courtside embrace, the Hall of Famer hasn’t stopped raving about the rookie. Swoopes didn’t mince words, declaring, “I wanna see her continue to be a dawg. She is a dawg! I love the fact that she’s just her. She is unapologetically Angel.”
And let’s be honest, it’s hard not to love someone who plays with such ferocity that you almost expect to see claw marks on the hardwood. Reese, who’s been tearing it up on both ends of the floor, has quickly become a fan favorite—not just for her skills, but for the sheer, unfiltered energy she brings to every game.
On Wednesday, as the Sky geared up to face the Washington Mystics, Swoopes was asked yet again about Reese’s impact. Naturally, she didn’t hold back. “I just love watching her play because she plays hard the entire game,” Swoopes said, probably while mentally high-fiving herself for discovering Reese before everyone else caught on.
But alas, even “Chi Barbie” (as Reese is affectionately known) isn’t immune to the occasional off night. Against the Mystics, she stumbled, managing just seven points, 14 rebounds, and two assists while also racking up a game-high six turnovers. Ouch. Despite Reese’s best efforts, the Sky fell 74-70, extending their losing streak to four games and putting their playoff hopes on life support.
With a 11-19 record, the Sky are barely clinging to the final playoff spot, just one game ahead of the Atlanta Dream. Meanwhile, the Mystics, who have suddenly remembered how to win games, are now serious contenders for that coveted postseason ticket.
But while Swoopes has been busy fawning over Reese, someone’s been left feeling a little… overlooked. Enter Stephen A. Smith, never one to shy away from a hot take. On her “Queens of the Court” podcast, Swoopes praised the Indiana Fever’s post-Olympic resurgence, dropping names like Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston. But conspicuously absent from her shoutouts? None other than Caitlin Clark, the feverish force driving Indiana’s 5-1 run since the games resumed.
Smith, predictably, was not having it. “Sheryl Swoopes. No Caitlin Clark? Respectfully, Sheryl Swoopes, do you have any idea how that makes you look?” Smith ranted, probably while waving his hands around for emphasis. “You know basketball! You know basketball better than me. You know basketball better than any of the pundits. You know basketball better than the men that play basketball. There’s no way in hell you just accidentally left Caitlin Clark’s name out.”
Shots fired, folks.
So while Swoopes continues to champion Reese’s rise to stardom, she might want to remember that there’s another young star lighting up the WNBA. Because if there’s one thing Stephen A. Smith won’t let you forget, it’s that Caitlin Clark is very much here to stay. And if you overlook her, well, prepare to hear about it. Loudly.