Chicago Sky rookie sensation Angel Reese continues to make waves in the WNBA, but her latest double-double has sparked a firestorm of controversy. Despite putting up another impressive stat line, Reese’s celebration after the game did not sit well with fans—mainly because her team ended up losing. Hoop fans immediately took to social media to blast the forward, calling her post-game joy “tone deaf” and “brutal” considering the outcome.

Reese, who has been one of the league’s most consistent rookies with her rebounding dominance and physicality in the paint, notched yet another double-double, proving why she’s quickly becoming a household name. But when the final buzzer sounded and the Sky walked away with a loss, the rookie’s upbeat demeanor and emphatic celebration drew heavy criticism. “It’s not about personal stats when your team loses,” one fan posted on Twitter. Others argued that her energy was misplaced, suggesting Reese needs to focus more on leadership than celebrations.

The backlash didn’t stop there. Analysts on several sports shows also weighed in, with some calling Reese’s reaction a rookie mistake and others defending her for bringing passion and positivity to a young Sky squad. “She’s learning how to balance her own success with the team’s struggles,” one analyst noted. “But fans expect accountability when the scoreboard doesn’t go your way.”

Still, Reese’s numbers cannot be ignored. She has already solidified herself as one of the league’s premier rebounders and continues to show growth as a scorer. Her ability to put up dominant stat lines night after night demonstrates her undeniable impact. Yet, as many have pointed out, basketball is a team game, and celebrations can sometimes create the wrong optics when they clash with the bigger picture of wins and losses.

This incident also reignites the debate about how women’s basketball players are perceived compared to their male counterparts. Many fans pointed out that male players often celebrate personal milestones even after losses without nearly the same level of criticism. Others argued that Reese has a different spotlight because of her outspoken personality and high-profile collegiate career, which puts her under an even more intense microscope.

For the Sky, the priority remains winning, and they’ll need Reese at her very best—not just in the box score but as an emotional leader who sets the tone in the locker room. While her double-double is impressive, the backlash serves as a reminder that the narrative often stretches beyond the numbers. Moving forward, Reese may choose to channel her energy into rallying her team through tough moments rather than drawing attention to individual accolades.

As the season heats up, all eyes will continue to follow Angel Reese. Her passion and personality make her a polarizing figure, but also one of the most captivating storylines in the WNBA. The debate over her celebration is just the latest reminder that her every move—on and off the court—will be scrutinized, dissected, and discussed by fans who expect greatness.