‘Choke Barbie,’ ‘I Can’t Defend Her’ — WNBA Fans Unload on Angel Reese After 3-Point 2nd Half in Game 7 Loss to Valkyries

Angel Reese faced harsh criticism from fans after the Atlanta Dream fell 68-63 to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday night. The Dream forward struggled offensively, with two late-game moments adding to the frustration.

The Valkyries, meanwhile, capitalized, claiming their first championship in just their second season, winning the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history at Chase Center.

WNBA Fans Rip Angel Reese After 8-Point Performance in Tough Loss to Valkyries

Reese finished with 8 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks in 33 minutes. She made 3 of 7 field-goal attempts and committed 4 turnovers, one more than the number of baskets she made.

After the game, sports account Underdog shared Reese's final numbers alongside the result: "Valkyries win the WNBA Championship."

Influencer "Hero of The Day" suggested a new nickname: "Someone better copyright 'Choke Barbie' right now!!"

Another fan appeared resigned to the criticism coming her way: "Whole world bout to blitz Angel Reese and I can't defend her; just take me, God"

The three-time All-Star had 5 points and 7 rebounds at halftime, with Atlanta leading 30-24. She scored only 3 more points after the break and finished 1-for-3 from the free-throw line.

Her struggles continued in the closing minute. Reese failed to box out Kiah Stokes on consecutive Gabby Williams misses, allowing Stokes to grab both offensive rebounds and convert the second into a putback with 53.8 seconds remaining.

Reese then missed the first of two free throws with 18.6 seconds left.

"It's tough, especially with a great group that I've had the honor to battle with all year. They changed my life. I'm so grateful for them; I'm so thankful for them. It is tough in the moment, but we'll be back," Reese said after the game.

"I always say delayed, not denied. This is only Year 3. They got a lot more years left, too. But I'm just really grateful I got to go to war with this group, and I would do it all over again."

Los Angeles Clippers supporter Jacob questioned her offensive game, saying Reese should "hire Hakeem (Olajuwon) to teach her a post move or two" before adding, "8 points in a must-win game 7?"

Reese had scored in single digits in three of her last four games. She finished with 8 points in Game 4 and 7 in Game 5 before responding with 15 points and 14 rebounds in Thursday's Game 6 victory, which forced the deciding game.

Lakers fan account LakeShow Yo criticized her shooting, claiming she "closed out the WNBA Finals by shooting 12/42 the final 4 games." The box scores put her at 12-of-45 from the field over that stretch.

Podcaster Jaime Lardis was equally critical : "I told y'all Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream weren't ready for a championship. Team is too gimmicky." Lardis then praised Golden State's leading scorer: "S/O to the savior, Gabby Williams!"

Another fan couldn't hold back his emotions, tweeting , "I am so (expletive) glad Atlanta Dream did not win the championship."

Williams finished with 30 points, including 28 in the second half, as the Valkyries erased a six-point halftime deficit. Atlanta shot 33% from the field and made only 6 of its 30 attempts from beyond the arc.

Golden State held on for the five-point victory, with Stokes finishing with 13 rebounds.