“Tougher Than Most of the Male Basketball Players”: Angel Reese’s Reply to Alyssa Thomas’ Neck Grab Riles Up WNBA Fans

An enticing encounter between Connecticut and Chicago ended up on a losing note for Angel Reese. The 2021 champions were unable to defend their fort as they went down 86-82 at the Wintrust Arena. However, this is not the only headline coming out of the Windy City. The Sun’s MVP contender last season Alyssa Thomas committed a flagrant foul 2 on Reese. As a result, the 4x WNBA All-Star got ejected late in the third quarter. On the other hand, despite hitting the floor hard, Reese refused to leave the court and continued the game further.  After its conclusion, she reflected on the incident in her interaction with the media.

This incident happened after both these athletes were tussling over a rebound and Thomas forced the forward down towards the floor by extending her arm onto Reese’s neck. Consequently, these on-court antics were then reviewed by the officials and they came up with the decision soon enough.

Reese said in the post-game interview, “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. They’re not supposed to be nice to me.  I want them to come at me every day.” In addition to this, Reese also stated that she doesn’t want anyone to treat her differently just because of her rookie status. Rubbishing the rumors regarding any animosity between her and Thomas, she also expressed that she’s ready for anything anyone has to offer. Reese further added, “Thank you AT for sending a message to me because I got back up and I kept going. Me and AT have been cool since we were in Maryland, so I know that it’s no hard feelings.” 

The 3x All-American’s response caught the attention of fans and they commended her afterward.

Fans applaud Angel Reese for her solidness

Addressing the physicality that is there in the sport, one of her supporters stated that Reese’s toughness is greater than her male counterparts. The fan wrote, “she tougher than most of the male basketball players.”

A similar comment was directed towards Reese. This time, the comparison was drawn to the NBA players’ toughness. Interestingly, numerous NBA stars of the past have often called out the current crop for their lack of toughness, including Dennis Rodman, Kenyon Martin, and others. The reaction said, “Angel Reese got more dawg and toughness than 90% of NBA Players.”

Chicago is known for its fighting spirit. And that is something that Angel Reese has flaunted proudly on multiple occasions. One X user pointed that out and wrote that the city’s energy is embedded in the rookie. The comment was, “Like I said she got chicago energy already.” 

Angel Reese was severely criticized for her emotional outburst post LSU’s Elite Eight loss to Iowa because of all the online trolling. Witnessing her taking the on-court incident competitively, one fan heaped praises for her transformation. The fan said, “I like Angel Reese she a real competitor not scared or a crybaby.” 

Angel Reese has had a history of dramatic interactions with the media. Her responses were often cited as immature and childish by the media. So, some people were quick to notice the maturity while commending the rookies’ responses and wrote, “Again showing maturity. Media trying to bring the drama. Reese with a great response.”

Evidently, many seem to be glad about how Angel Reese handled the situation. Moreover, she remains unfazed after it also showcases how gritty and sturdy she really is. This sort of attitude will surely benefit the franchise in the upcoming days.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.