Angel Reese double double controversy: fans divided over “intentional” foul keeping WNBA streak alive

Legitimacy of Reese’s dobule-double streak is in question yet again

Angel Reese extended her double-double streak to 14 games in...

Angel Reese extended her double-double streak to 14 games in controversial circumstancesAP

PARKER JOHNSON

 

Angel Reese recorded her WNBA record 14th consecutive double-double in the Chicago Sky‘s win over the Atlanta Dream, but it was not without controversy. Reese entered the final play with 9 points and 13 rebounds, leading to this suspicious foul that gave her the opportunity to hit double digit points from the free throw line.

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Did Tina Charles intentionally foul Angel Reese?

Watch the video and decide for yourself: did Tina Charles intentionally foul Angel Reese? This much is clear: Chennedy Carter was ready to dribble out the clock, but Reese and the crowd both knew that her streak would end if she did not score again.

The Chi Town Barbie called shamelessly for the ball, resulting in the foul with 6.4 seconds left. Reese hit both free throws to finish with 11 points and 13 rebounds, enough for her 14th straight double-double. She owns the WNBA record, breaking Candace Parker’s previous marks of 9 straight in a single season, and 12 straight overall.

Reese accused of stat padding for double-double record

Working against Reese is that this is not the first time her statistical integrity has been called into question. Her playing style recently became a TikTok meme for the way she gets so many cheap rebounds. Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier was also accused of helping Reese pad her stats to keep the streak alive, just like Charles.

“Its not even a record if u just force it, not real basketball at all smh,” said a popular comment on X, formerly Twitter.

“The WNBA should take this double double away from her,” moaned another user.

“They’re quite literally giving her these stats while Clark getting 30 and a double double out the mud,” said one fan, drawing the ever present comparison to fellow Rookie of the Year candidate and WNBA All-Star Caitlin Clark.

Dissenting voices appeared as well, with some arguing Charles fouled Reese because she was mad that Reese was trying to score on her with the game basically over. Another fan agreed she was stat padding, but argued it didn’t matter because “Nobody’s gonna talk about this down the line.”