Angel Reese reflects on her dominant Unrivaled performance: ‘Living my life isn’t easy’

Angel Reese Reflects on Her Unrivaled Journey: “Living My Life Isn’t Easy”

Being Angel Reese is no easy feat.

The rising WNBA star has ascended to new heights of fame, both on and off the court, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in women’s basketball. From gracing the cover of Vogue Magazine to seeing her name printed on McDonald’s cups and bags with the launch of the “Angel Reese Special,” her influence extends far beyond the game. Before the new year, her Unapologetically Angel podcast was named one of Spotify’s Best New Shows of 2024, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

A Record-Breaking Night in Unrivaled

On Friday night, Reese made history, delivering the first-ever 20-20 game in Unrivaled’s 3-on-3 basketball league. She dominated with 22 points and 21 rebounds, leading the Rose to a 72-63 victory over Napheesa Collier’s Lunar Owls, handing them their first loss of the season.

Despite the milestone performance, Reese knows there’s always room to grow. She fouled out just four points shy of sealing the win for her team, a reminder that she’s still evolving as a player.

The Weight of Expectations

During her postgame press conference, Reese spoke candidly about the challenges of navigating life in the spotlight.

“It’s so much I can say. But for me, to keep going, it’s hard. It is hard. To live my life isn’t easy. And I don’t want to get emotional, but that’s why I put the work in every day,” Reese said, visibly holding back tears. “There are little girls that look up to me. There are the college girls that look up to me. And just being able to be an inspiration every day – that’s why I try to keep going through all the negativity.”

At just 22 years old, Reese is already carrying immense responsibility, not only as an elite athlete but as a role model for the next generation.

“But I’m grateful. I’m blessed. And being here at Unrivaled has been the best thing for me,” she added.

Continuing to Develop Ahead of WNBA Season

Reese’s breakout performance in Unrivaled is setting the stage for an even bigger impact in the WNBA. The No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, she led the league in rebounding as a rookie, averaging 13.1 boards per game before a wrist fracture cut her season short. Now, she’s using Unrivaled to refine her skills before her second WNBA season.

Surrounded by top-tier talent and mentorship, Reese is soaking up every lesson. Three-time WNBA champion Chelsea Gray, her Rose teammate, playfully teases Reese for rebounding her missed shots. Rose head coach Nola Henry encourages Reese’s defensive intensity while keeping a close eye on her referee challenges—despite Reese’s eagerness to use them. And Lisa Leslie, one of the greatest to ever play the game, is offering wisdom as a commentator for Unrivaled.

Reese is making the most of every opportunity.

“I’m learning still. I’m growing. Just being able to be a sponge,” she said. “I have great coaches here that I listen to and take detail from, and encouragement, and advice from. So, I just think I’m surrounded by great people that put me in the right position.”

A Relentless Competitor

Reese is one of only four players in Unrivaled averaging a double-double, alongside Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Alyssa Thomas. She leads the league in offensive rebounds and ranks second overall with 11.4 rebounds per game, surpassing Collier after Friday night’s showdown.

Her aggressive rebounding style is fueled by an unshakable mindset.

“I just kinda have a knack for the ball. I have the mentality that anything I want in life, I’m going to get. And that comes to, like, off the court, too, as you can see. I manifest anything I want in life,” Reese said.

“You got to manifest anything you want in life. I manifest I want that ball when it comes off the rim. And if I’m in front, as a defender, I want that steal. Just being able to have that mindset – just really, really, really wanting it really bad.”

The Passion That Sets Her Apart

Reese’s tenacity on the court is matched by her relentless drive to improve.

Rose teammate Brittney Sykes describes Reese as having a “youthful feistiness” on the court that contrasts with her softer personality off it.

“She’s a sweet, sweet kid, like a sweet girl. But obviously when we hit them four lines, it’s a dog-eat-dog mentality, and she takes it to heart,” Sykes said. “She’s really good at just timing, going to get the ball, having a nose for it. She’s like a Windex cleaner.”

Henry, a first-time head coach, admires Reese’s intensity and dedication.

“It’s been such a pleasure to coach her,” Henry said. “She comes in with the same mindset, the same mentality, every day. You know what you’re going to get from her. You’re going to get a competitor. You’re going to get somebody that’s fun, that’s going to lighten the group up through competing.”

Even after becoming the first Unrivaled player to be ejected from a game for two technical fouls earlier this month, Henry remains confident that Reese is learning from every experience.

“She brings a lighthearted youthfulness through competing and talking trash, and she’s been playing really well for us.”

The Beginning of Something Bigger

Reese is still evolving, fine-tuning her game as she prepares for the next phase of her career.

Her dominant performances, fierce competitiveness, and hunger to improve are only the beginning.

“Just being able to see my growth. I put in the work, and a lot of people don’t see the work I put in. It’s great to see it come out there,” Reese said after her record-breaking performance. “Obviously, I’m not done yet. And it’s just the beginning.”

Angel Reese isn’t just making a name for herself—she’s building a legacy.