Shaq continues to show that “tough love” for Angel Reese as she plays her first season in the WNBA. If you’ve been following the ShaqFu Radio blog, you know of the relationship between O’Neal and Reese. They’re both LSU alumni, and Shaq’s been a bit of a mentor to the young lady through her college career, and now into the pro league.
Lately, there’s been talk that Reese has been developing a persona as an “enforcer” or “tough guy” in the game. Well, “tough lady” would be appropriate, but you get the idea. In a recent interview, Shaq talked about that style, and his continuing support for her.
The BIG Podcast with SHAQ
Reese grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. Not the easiest place to be a kid. She learned her hoops skills there and developed them further at LSU. Shaq recognizes what’s gone into her game over the years, telling People Magazine, “She had to be tough. She is tough and she applies that on the court. Some people don’t like that and it’s understandable, but she’s not apologetic about it.”
In a recent game against the Indiana Fever, Reese made some headlines for a Flagrant 1 foul against the other rookie superstar of the league this year, Caitlin Clark. Both players have handled the situation well, and Shaq said Reese has nothing more to talk about: “I don’t want her to apologize. I want her to stay beautiful, stay classy and continue making a name for herself and taking care of her family.”
That game – between Reese’s Chicago Sky and Clark’s Fever, made headlines for another reason, too. In that game, the Indiana Fever picked up their 5th win of the WNBA season. (The game was last Sunday, as of this posting date.) The Fever won it, 91-83. The battle between Clark and Reese did not disappoint.
For Clark, she racked up 23 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. For Chicago, Reese had 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists, despite being in some foul trouble.
But the number that really stood out didn’t happen on the court. Checking the ratings after the game, the WNBA was happy to announce that this particular game was the most-watched WNBA contest of the past 23 years!
So… congrats to the WNBA for the great season, and for the big win in the latest TV ratings.