Rebecca Lobo slams critics of Angel Reese with fiery statement

WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo defended Angel Reese from her critics with a fiery statement. Reese continued to make history with her third straight game with at least 20 rebounds, but critics are not impressed with her finishing at the rim.

Speaking on SportsCenter following the Chicago Sky's loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, Lobo explained why Reese is still having a remarkable season despite what her haters are saying. She pulled up the stats saying that the Sky rookie will still be the WNBA leader in offensive rebounds per game even if those from her own misses are not counted. (Start at 5:13)

"Some of her critics like to say, you know, 'Well, she gets a lot of offensive rebounds off of her own misses.' Well, our stats and information group looked that up. If you take away all of the offensive rebounds off her own misses, guess what? She's still leading the league in offensive rebounds per game. She has been historically remarkable on the glass." Lobo said.

While it's commendable to see a legend defend Angel Reese from critics, there's no denying that the 22-year-old forward is a great rebounder. Her positioning is impeccable and has the heart and hustle to succeed in that department.

However, the current criticism about Reese is her finishing around the rim. She went 4-for-16 on Sunday in the loss to the Las Vegas Aces. It's a poor percentage from a player that primarily plays close to the rim. She's shooting just 38.7% from the field this season, among the worst at her position.

Some just like to hate on Reese but it's good to point out her deficiencies since she could improve her shot. She also needs to understand that she can kick out after an offensive rebound. The Chicago Sky can even give her a better point guard who will help her get to the best spot for the best shots possible.

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Angel Reese needs to improve on her finishing at the rim

Angel Reese needs to improve on her finishing at the rim. (Photo: IMAGN)

There were questions about Angel Reese's offensive game heading into the WNBA draft. Reese has been phenomenal for the Chicago Sky despite what some critics are saying about her. She's leading the league in rebounds (12.9 rebounds per game) and has made history with her skill in that department with her consecutive double-double streak.

However, Reese does need to acknowledge the need to improve her finishing around the rim. Sporting News' Steph Noh called her the worst finisher at the rim in the league, shooting just 43.8% within five feet of the basket. The average field goal percentage within five feet this season is 59.6%.

To make matters worse, based on stats, Diana Taurasi is shooting better from beyond the arc at 45.2% than Reese within five feet at 43.8%. If the Sky star forward wants to be greater, she will need to improve on her finishing around the rim before thinking of adding a jump shot next season.