Angel Reese shows love to Indiana's NaLyssa Smith on her emotional post following first-round exit

NaLyssa Smith’s debut in the playoffs ended in disappointment. She arguably had her two worst games of the season as the Indiana Fever failed to win a game against the Connecticut Sun in the postseason. The No. 2 pick of the 2022 draft struggled so much in Game 1 that Fever coach Christie Sides benched the 6-foot-4 forward in Game 2.

Smith went on Instagram on Thursday to share her disappointment. She had a lengthy message thanking those who supported her through thick and thin. The former Baylor star also vowed to keep working on her game to become as close to “perfect” as possible.

Angel Reese, from the rival Chicago Sky, reacted to NaLyssa Smith’s post with prayers-up/thankful emojis.

Angel Reese reacts to NaLyssa Smith's Instagram post. [photo: @nalyssasmith/IG]

NaLyssa Smith mentioned the negativity on social media, particularly after her poor showing in Game 1. Smith contributed one rebound, one steal and one block in the series opener.

Smith also couldn’t deliver her usually bone-crushing screens to free Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, or Lexie Hull. Fans were quick to mention that she is in a relationship with DiJonai Carrington, Connecticut’s perimeter defensive ace.

Angel Reese knows a thing or two about facing criticism and negativity. She may perhaps be the most polarizing player in the WNBA who often gets ripped on social media by even non-basketball fans. The “Chi Barbie” might be able to relate to what Smith is going through.

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NaLyssa Smith played well against Angel Reese this season

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark hogged the limelight every time the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever met in the regular season. Considering the two were college rivals, it wasn’t a surprise that their head-to-head showdowns in the WNBA continued to harp on that trend.

Reese and Clark, however, hardly go at each other during games. The “Chi Barbie’s” opposite against the Fever was usually NaLyssa Smith. Aliyah Boston or Temi Fagbenle had their share of dueling with Reese but it was usually Smith who had that job.

In four games against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, Smith more than held her own. She averaged 14.5 points on 57.7% shooting with 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Indiana’s starting power forward had an unsung role in the Fever’s 3-1 record against the Sky in the regular season.

Smith and Reese go hard at each other in games but when the former showed her vulnerable side, following a playoff loss, the latter supported the Fever forward.