Ariel Atkins vehemently defended Angel Reese after the Sky’s lopsided loss to the Liberty on Tuesday night while the pair were speaking with reporters at Barclays Center. 

The comment came in response to a question about the criticism Reese faces on a regular basis, some of which goes beyond just her play on the court. 

“This is a 23-year-old kid and the amount of crap that she gets on day-to-day, and she still shows up,” Atkins said after the 85-66 defeat. “Whatever questions ya’ll got about our team, basketball-wise we appreciate it, but all the other nonsense, it’s irrelevant. We’re here to play basketball and do what we do. We’re having a hard time right now at the end of the day. 

“This is a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy, so whatever else y’all wanna come at her for the way that she acts, she has to build a wall. She has to have a wall. Because if she doesn’t, people will break her down. Not only because of the way that she looks, but because of the way she carries herself.”

Reese had her best game of the season on Tuesday night against the Liberty, putting up a season-high 17 points while shooting 61.5 percent from the field and still pulling down 11 rebounds. 

The Sky star has averaged 9.1 points and 12.3 rebounds this season, while also facing critiques of her play, especially amid their 2-6 start to the season. 

“She doesn’t just walk around acting like I’m this, I’m that. No, she knows who she is,” Atkins added. “And we ain’t going to break her down for that. So whatever questions ya’ll got, I’m hoping it’s just about basketball. Maybe a box score question, but the kid’s crown is heavy. Respect that.” 

Reese thanked Atkins for the comments before the press conference moved on and wrote “Love my Vet man.” on X in a reply to a video clip of the answer