Angel Reese was supposed to be a game-changer for the Chicago Sky. Standing 6’4” and coming off a celebrated college career, expectations were sky-high for the rookie forward. But just weeks into her WNBA debut, Reese finds herself at the center of a social media firestorm and league-wide debate—not for her highlight plays, but for a stat that’s as shocking as it is perplexing.

A chart making the rounds online details every player’s layup percentage and attempts. For most, it’s a routine metric. For Angel Reese, it’s a headline. Reese is converting just 31% of her layups, the worst mark in the league among players with at least 35 attempts. In a league where the average layup percentage hovers near 69%, her number is not just an outlier—it’s a crisis.

A Viral Stat With Real Consequences

The numbers are staggering. Of Reese’s 54 layup attempts, only 16 have gone in. That’s 38 misses from point-blank range. The next lowest among high-volume shooters? Kelsey Plum at 42%—still 11 points better than Reese, and Plum is 5’8”, not 6’4”. Meanwhile, Reese’s fellow bigs, like Aaliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso, are converting at 69% and 56.2% respectively.

This isn’t just a cold streak. It’s a pattern that has fans, analysts, and even opposing coaches buzzing. Social media has exploded with memes, stat comparisons, and jokes—some lighthearted, others biting. One viral clip even shows Reese grabbing a rebound, never looking at the rim, and flinging the ball up in a rushed, awkward motion. The play has become a lightning rod for criticism, with fans questioning her fundamentals, confidence, and even her future in the league.

What’s Really Going On?

For Chicago, the struggles go beyond the box score. The Sky rely on their bigs to create easy points, clean up missed shots, and set a physical tone. When a key player misses more layups than she makes, it changes everything—how defenses play, how guards attack, and how second-chance points are generated.

Analysts have zeroed in on Reese’s mechanics. Her layup attempts are often rushed, with little lift or control. She rarely squares her body or keeps her eyes on the rim, instead forcing the action through defenders. Compare this to Aaliyah Boston’s textbook finishes—knees bent, eyes up, soft touch off the glass—and the difference is night and day.

The numbers suggest Reese is pressing, trying to muscle through traffic rather than playing with poise. As one commentator put it, “She proves you can miss 100% of the shots you do take.” It’s a harsh assessment, but the numbers don’t lie.

A Problem—and an Opportunity—for the Sky

Reese’s struggles have become a tactical issue for Chicago. When she gets offensive rebounds, defenses know she’ll likely force a tough shot rather than kick the ball out to a more efficient scorer. Every forced miss not only wastes a second-chance opportunity but also stalls the offense and allows defenders to reset.

Kamilla Cardoso, for example, is hitting 56% of her layups. The smart play, analysts say, is for Reese to use her rebounding strength to find Cardoso or an open shooter, rather than going back up against a collapsing defense. “You want your 56% shooter taking more shots than your 31% shooter,” one analyst said. “It’s just logic.”

The solution doesn’t require a total overhaul—just smarter decision-making. If Reese begins to focus on passing out after missed layups and working on her shot mechanics, Chicago’s offense could transform overnight.

Is It All Bad News? Not Necessarily

Despite the criticism, there’s a real sense that Reese’s issues are fixable. Her physical tools are undeniable, and her rebounding instincts are elite. The biggest obstacle appears to be mental—rushing shots, playing for contact rather than a clean look, and letting pressure mount after each miss.

Coaches and teammates have publicly supported her, emphasizing patience and fundamentals. “She can turn this around,” one team insider said. “It’s about slowing down, taking her time, and trusting her training.”

Fans, too, are divided. Some have turned to sarcasm or memes, but others are rooting for Reese to adjust and prove the doubters wrong. “She just has to take her time,” one fan posted. “Focus on the shot, not the foul.”

A Turning Point Ahead?

The stakes are high—not just for Reese, but for the Sky as a whole. The team needs every point it can get, and with other efficient scorers on the roster, maximizing offensive possessions is critical. If Reese can adapt, trust her teammates, and refine her finishing, she could still become the impact player Chicago hoped for.

For now, the spotlight is harsh and the critics are loud. But basketball history is filled with players who struggled early and found their stride. Angel Reese’s story isn’t finished—it’s just at a crossroads. Will she answer the call, embrace the fundamentals, and rewrite her narrative?