Angel Reese has been stacking b-ball receipts all season, but her latest keepsake might be the sweetest yet: a digital nod from Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie.
After the Chicago Sky’s gutsy 87‑81 upset of the league‑leading Minnesota Lynx on July 12, Reese hopped on Instagram to celebrate. And according to Athlon Sports, Leslie slid into the comments with a two‑word salute—“Pretty Baller❤️”—that sent Reese’s mentions into overdrive.
For her part, this season, Reese logged 19 points, 11 boards, and four dimes—her eighth straight double‑double—while frontcourt partner Kamilla Cardoso chimed in with 17 and 15 in her return to the starting lineup. Veteran guard Ariel Atkins poured in a game‑high 27 as Chicago (now 7‑13) clawed to 10th place and handed MVP favorite Napheesa Collier’s Lynx their first loss in eight games.
Reese’s numbers on the year—13.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and a career‑best 3.8 assists—underline why Leslie’s stamp matters. The two‑time All‑Star already owns multiple WNBA rebounding and double‑double records, and is stacking up sponsorships and endorsement deals.
Unfortunately, not everyone has shown Reese the same love. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III sparked outrage when he retweeted a Photoshopped NBA 2K cover depicting Angel Reese as a monkey.
Though RGIII disavowed the racist image, critics—including Shaquille O’Neal—blasted him for amplifying it.
And on the July 16 episode of Nightcap, hosts Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco Johnson weighed in. “Me personally, I believe RGIII could have made his point without retweeting it,” Sharpe said, adding the image was “unnecessary” and “uncalled for.”
O’Neal had gone further, threatening to “punch” RGIII in defense of Reese.
For those looking to check out Angel Reese in action, they can tune in to watch the Chicago Sky return to Wintrust Arena on Friday, August 15, hosting the expansion Golden State Valkyries. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time. Fans can catch every play live in the arena or tune in nationwide via ION or WNBA League Pass.
