It was supposed to be a redemption game.
Instead, it turned into a nightmare for Angel Reese—and a coming-out party for Rhyne Howard.

In one of the most lopsided and emotionally charged matchups of the WNBA season so far, the Atlanta Dream routed the Chicago Sky 87–65. But it wasn’t the scoreboard that had fans talking long after the buzzer.

It was Angel Reese’s visible frustration, both during and after the game—culminating in a postgame outburst that’s now going viral across social media platforms.

“This isn’t just a loss,” said one analyst on ESPN.
“This was a collapse—and Angel Reese took it personally.”

The Game: Rhyne Howard’s Dominance on Full Display

From the opening tip, it was clear Rhyne Howard had one thing on her mind: make a statement.

29 points

7 rebounds

4 steals

5-for-7 from three-point range

Howard didn’t just score—she owned the court, outpacing the Sky in transition, knocking down clutch shots, and drawing fouls that frustrated Chicago’s frontcourt.

At one point in the third quarter, after sinking a contested three over Reese’s outstretched arms, Howard gave a subtle shrug toward the Chicago bench.

Fans noticed.

So did Angel.

Angel Reese: Struggles and Short Circuits

Reese, who entered the game averaging a respectable double-double, never looked settled.

7 points

6 rebounds

5 fouls

3 turnovers

0 composure

Her frustration boiled over in the second half after she was called for an offensive foul. She appeared to shout at a referee, waved off her own bench, and slammed a towel to the floor during a timeout.

Even teammates seemed hesitant to approach her.

“She looked isolated,” said a courtside reporter.
“Not just emotionally—but physically. Sitting apart from the huddle.”

Postgame Explosion: “Y’all Wanna Blame Me? Cool.”

During the postgame media session, Reese was asked what went wrong.

Her answer?

“We didn’t show up. You can blame whoever you want. Y’all wanna blame me? Cool. But I ain’t out there alone.”

That quote spread like wildfire.

Some fans saw it as a sign of passion. Others viewed it as deflection and blame-shifting.

“Leadership is owning the L,” one fan wrote on X.
“She’s deflecting because Howard cooked her.”

Social Media: Divided and Explosive

#AngelReese

#HowardCooked

#SkyMeltdown
All trended within hours.

Memes popped up comparing Reese’s stat line to Howard’s. Others mocked her attitude.

“Angel Reese: 5 fouls, 0 awareness,” one sarcastic tweet read.

But not everyone piled on.

“She’s 22. She’s learning. Let her be mad,” one WNBA veteran wrote.
“I’d rather that than someone who doesn’t care.”

Rhyne Howard: Quiet Assassin

While the media focused on Reese’s emotions, Rhyne Howard said very little.

When asked about the matchup, she offered:

“Just wanted to compete. Nothing personal.”

But her body language all game said otherwise. She played with an edge, a chip, and the confidence of someone who knew this night would be remembered.

“She didn’t talk. She let her game talk,” said Dream coach Tanisha Wright.
“And tonight, it was loud.”

Sky Locker Room: “We’re Not Aligned”

Sources close to the Sky say the loss—and Reese’s reaction—has further widened an already fragile team culture.

“Some players are frustrated that everything revolves around Angel,” said a team insider.
“It’s like every headline is about her, win or lose.”

There’s also growing concern that her emotional volatility is starting to wear on coaches and teammates, especially as the losses mount.

“We need composure, not chaos,” said one veteran, off the record.

The Caitlin Clark Shadow (Again)

Though she had nothing to do with the game, Caitlin Clark’s name was once again dragged into the aftermath.

Some fans compared Reese’s meltdown to Clark’s recent poise under pressure after tough games.

“Clark drops 30 in silence. Reese drops 7 and blames her teammates,” one viral comment read.

The Reese–Clark comparisons aren’t new, but they seem to re-emerge every time Reese loses control in public view.

And fair or not, Clark’s calm makes Reese’s fire look even hotter.

Media Reaction: “She’s Losing the Narrative”

Sports media outlets were quick to pick up the postgame soundbites.

“This isn’t about stats anymore,” said FS1’s Colin Cowherd.
“It’s about brand control—and right now, Angel’s losing hers.”

Others urged patience.

“Yes, it’s a bad look. But it’s also one night,” said analyst Chiney Ogwumike.
“Let’s not define her by one loss.”

Still, most agreed: Reese needs a reset—and fast.

Final Thoughts: Pressure Cooker Season

Angel Reese entered the WNBA as a superstar rookie with massive endorsement deals, a loyal fan base, and a fiery on-court persona.

But as the season wears on, the pressure is mounting. The losses are piling. The spotlight is turning.

And unless something shifts—whether in her play, her mindset, or her team’s support system—
this won’t be the last time we see her break.

Because in the WNBA, attitude without outcomes turns into isolation—fast.

And last night?
Rhyne Howard didn’t just win the game.
She took control of the room.