Angel Reese has been a prominent figure in basketball since her standout performance with LSU, particularly for her memorable matchup against Caitlin Clark in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. Reese’s lively on-court presence drew both admiration and criticism, as she made her competitive spirit known.
Her dynamic personality is a hallmark of Reese, and her impressive play on the court supports her confidence. While Spurs fans might not be familiar with her bold style, they can certainly appreciate her skills. In her rookie WNBA season, Reese has been a double-double machine, making her a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year. Her performance is reminiscent of Tim Duncan, who also made an immediate impact in the NBA with his double-doubles and eventual Rookie of the Year award.
Reese expressed admiration for Duncan in an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, noting, “…learning from a legend is great…I love to pick people’s brains and pick a lot of great players’ brains so of course it would be great.” She currently averages 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Chicago Sky, contributing significantly to their playoff push as the eighth seed. Despite her success, Reese remains focused on her personal development, understanding that she can only control her own progress.
If Reese were to refine her skills with Duncan’s foundational techniques, she could become one of the WNBA’s top players. Although she faces some criticism for what some perceive as ‘sloppy’ play, it’s important to remember that rookies are still developing. With time, she could enhance her game further and improve aspects like midrange shooting.
In another notable basketball story, Chet Holmgren has dismissed the notion of a rivalry with Victor Wembanyama, attributing any perceived conflict to media exaggeration. Holmgren emphasized the importance of focusing on team success rather than individual matchups, stating, “I don’t want to go into any matchup and make it about what it isn’t.”
Although Wembanyama won the Rookie of the Year award, Holmgren was a strong contender throughout the season. He acknowledged that the criteria for NBA awards can vary and expressed that he wasn’t concerned about the voting process. Holmgren also addressed rumors about media bias due to his previous redshirt year, affirming Wembanyama’s deservingness while believing he himself had made a strong case for the award.
Paul George noted the intense competition between Holmgren and Wembanyama, but Holmgren clarified that their rivalry is simply a result of competitive spirit rather than personal animosity. He said, “But when people ask, ‘Y’all got beef?’ I’m like, ‘What beef? We’re out there competing.’ To me, beef means we’re fighting. Why would I have beef with him? I honestly don’t even know the guy.”
Despite Holmgren’s downplaying of the rivalry, their matchups last season, including a memorable game on leap year day, showcased their competitive edge. Wembanyama had 28 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks, while Holmgren scored 23 points with seven rebounds and five assists.
Fans can look forward to seeing these two talented players face off multiple times each season within the same conference, and a potential playoff clash could add even more excitement to their future encounters.