Angel Reese FURIOUS After Kelsey Plum TAUNTS Her Mid Game!
In one of the most intense and talked-about moments of the WNBA season so far, emotions ran high as Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum taunted Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese during a heated mid-game exchange that quickly went viral. The Sparks defeated the Sky 91–78, but it was Plum’s bold “too small” gesture aimed at Reese that stole the headlines.
The tension peaked in the third quarter when Plum drove hard to the basket and scored over Reese. As she turned back toward her teammates, she briefly looked at Reese and flashed the now-infamous “too small” hand gesture, a direct taunt commonly used in basketball to belittle an opponent’s defensive abilities. Instantly, the arena reacted with a mixture of cheers and gasps, while Reese was seen visibly frustrated, shaking her head and clapping back with words that weren’t picked up by mics.
Angel Reese, known for her emotional energy and competitive fire, tried to stay locked in despite the provocation. The rookie forward finished the night with 13 points and 12 rebounds—her second double-double of the season—showing grit in a tough matchup against a playoff-caliber opponent.
After the game, Reese addressed the incident during the post-game press conference.
“I’m not new to this,” she said calmly. “I’ve been in intense games before. If someone wants to talk or gesture, that’s fine. But I’m going to show up for my team and let my game speak for itself. I saw what she did. It’s noted.”
Reese also made it clear that she wasn’t going to let the moment define her. “This is the WNBA. It’s physical, it’s competitive, and it’s personal sometimes. I’m not backing down from anyone.”
Kelsey Plum, who led all scorers with 28 points, including six three-pointers and eight assists, defended her actions after the game, calling it “part of the game.”
“I’m a competitor,” Plum told reporters with a smirk. “I play with emotion and intensity. I’ve got a lot of respect for Angel and what she’s bringing to this league, but I’m going to play my game. If I hit a tough shot, I might let you know about it.”
This fiery exchange adds another chapter to the growing narrative of rivalries in the WNBA. For Reese, this isn’t the first time she’s been involved in high-profile trash talk. Fans will remember her viral “you can’t see me” gesture toward Caitlin Clark during the 2023 NCAA Championship—a moment that sparked massive debate and media attention.
Social media was ablaze following the Sparks-Sky showdown, with clips of the taunt spreading quickly and fans taking sides. Some praised Plum’s competitive edge, while others criticized her for targeting a rookie still finding her footing in the league.
WNBA analysts chimed in as well. “This is the kind of intensity that makes rivalries great,” said one commentator on ESPN. “You’ve got a veteran All-Star and a rookie phenom, both emotional and fiery. It’s good for the league, and fans are here for it.”
The Chicago Sky, now 0–3, are still searching for their first win of the season. Despite the rocky start, head coach Teresa Weatherspoon remains confident in her squad.
“We’re growing, we’re learning,” she said. “Angel is a fighter, and she’s only going to get better from moments like this. She handled it like a pro.”
As for the Sparks, the win puts them at 2–1 and gives them early momentum. But the bigger story may be what happens the next time these two teams meet. With tempers flaring and pride on the line, fans are already looking ahead to a rematch that promises more drama.
Angel Reese didn’t forget the taunt. And Kelsey Plum knows exactly what she did.
The rivalry has begun—and the league is watching.
