‘Her crown is heavy’ – Angel Reese gives four-word response to teammate’s emotional defense of her after smashing WNBA record

Angel Reese responded with a simple message after Chicago Sky veteran Ariel Atkins jumped to her defense over the ‘nonsense’ criticism she has faced.

The WNBA star produced one of her best performances of the season so far against the New York Liberty on Tuesday night.

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Reese put in a solid performance against the Liberty, but the Sky fell short againCredit: Getty
Reese finished the game with 17 points, shooting an efficient 8 of 13 from the field, 11 rebounds and 3 assists.

She has now become the fastest player in WNBA history to 30 career double-doubles, reaching that landmark in just 42 games, five quicker than Tina Charles.

However, her effort wasn’t enough to inspire the Sky to victory, as they suffered a 85-66 loss to the still unbeaten Liberty.

Chicago are now 2-6 on the season, and star Reese has been subject to much criticism in recent weeks, amid her shooting struggles and failure to finish at the rim in the opening games.

Throughout her career, the former LSU standout has also been put in the spotlight about things that have nothing to do with her box scores, and her teammates have had enough.

After Reese was asked about a flagrant foul on New York’s Leonie Fiebich during Tuesday’s post-game press conference, Atkins jumped in to defend Chicago’s young star.

“This is a 23-year-old kid. And the amount of c*** that she gets on a day-to-day and she still shows up,” the two-time All-Star said.

“So whatever questions y’all got about our team, basketball-wise, we appreciate it. But all the other nonsense, it’s irrelevant.

“This is a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy! So whatever else y’all want to come at her for the way that she acts, she has to build the wall.

“She has to have a wall. Because if she doesn’t, people will break her down. Not only because of how she looks, but it’s the way she carries herself.

Atkins jumped to the defence of Reese in a post-game press conferenceCredit: X: @Khristina

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Reese appeared emotional as she sat next to the veteranCredit: X: @Khristina
“She knows who she is! And we ain’t gonna break her down for that. So whatever other questions y’all got, I’m hoping it’s just about basketball.

“Maybe a box score question? But the kid’s crown is heavy. Respect that.”

Reese, who has recently been told how she can mirror Caitlin Clark and improve her game by a WNBA legend, appeared emotional as she listened to Atkins deliver her message to reporters.

She later offered a four-word response to the clip, which was posted on social media.

“Love my Vet man,” she wrote on X, adding a heart emoji.

Atkins’ message was also hailed by fans, who described her as the perfect teammate.

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Reese has faced criticism both on and off the court throughout her careerCredit: Getty
“I respect Ariel for saying that. Clearly Angel needed to hear it,” one person said.

“That’s a great teammate move by Atkins,” another wrote.

“Yeah Ariel! Angel needs more people speaking up for her,” a third said.

Ahead of tip off against the Liberty, Reese had reasons to celebrate off the court to

What is her go to?’ – WNBA legend urges Angel Reese to follow Caitlin Clark example as Sky star struggles against Fever
The 23-year-old was named the 2025 BET Sportswoman of the Year for a third year in a row.

She is the first athlete since tennis legend Serena Williams to win the award three times.

The prize was established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to honor achievements across cultural mediums including filmmaking, music, television and sport.

Reese beat the likes of A’ja Wilson, Coco Gauff, Flau’jae Johnson, Juju Watkins and Simone Biles to the prize.