The Washington Mystics delivered one of their most surprising wins of the season, and the internet wasted no time turning the spotlight on Angel Reese after her team’s shocking collapse.

The Chicago Sky forward, often hailed as one of the rising stars in the WNBA, became the subject of jokes, memes, and harsh criticism after what fans are calling a “hilarious loss” to the Mystics.

For many spectators, the game highlighted the stark contrast between Reese’s impact and the dominance of fellow rookie Caitlin Clark, sparking heated debate about the two players yet again.

The game itself was filled with miscues, missed opportunities, and defensive lapses by the Sky. Reese, known for her rebounding and physical play, struggled to find her rhythm against Washington’s sharp execution and high-energy attack. She finished with modest stats, but it was her visible frustration and missed chances in critical moments that drew the most attention. Social media commentators quickly pointed out that while Reese has been marketed as a generational competitor, her performance fell flat in comparison to the expectations set for her.

Meanwhile, the Mystics capitalized on every mistake. Their crisp ball movement, strong shooting from outside, and relentless defense exposed Chicago’s weaknesses. By the fourth quarter, the Mystics had built a comfortable lead, and Reese’s efforts to rally her team fell short. The final buzzer left Washington celebrating and Chicago reeling — a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the WNBA.

What truly ignited the conversation was the inevitable comparison to Caitlin Clark. Fans online began mocking Reese, declaring “she’s no Caitlin Clark,” pointing to Clark’s consistency in putting up big numbers and lifting her Indiana Fever team to high-profile wins. Some went further, calling Reese “overhyped” while praising Clark for backing up her spotlight with tangible results. The rivalry narrative between the two rookies, fueled by their college clashes, found fresh energy in the wake of Reese’s off night.

To be fair, not all the commentary was negative. Many supporters defended Reese, noting that one tough game doesn’t define her career and that she has already proven her value through rebounding dominance and defensive grit. Others emphasized the need for patience, arguing that both Reese and Clark are still adjusting to the speed and physicality of professional basketball. Still, the volume of memes and clips mocking her on live TV made this loss feel more personal than most.

This game will likely serve as a learning experience for Reese. She has shown resilience throughout her basketball journey, and bouncing back from adversity has been one of her trademarks. But the comparisons to Clark — fair or not — will continue to hang over her as both players shape the future of the league. For now, the Mystics’ upset win and Reese’s struggles have given fans and critics plenty to talk about, while the debate over who will truly emerge as the face of the WNBA grows louder with each passing game.