“It’s always been both: basketball and fashion.” That’s how Angel Reese summed it up after making history as the first pro basketball player, male or female, to land a solo cover on American Vogue in January. Basketball was in her blood as “both her mother and grandmother played,” but she was also always a “fashion girlie”. Clearly, the Bayou Barbie of the WNBA was meant to shine both on and off the court. No wonder Reese’s dual passions echo in her tunnel walks. And it reminds people of Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, who was dubbed the “Most Stylish Man” in 2022 by GQ.

Remember how he showed up for Round 2, Game 4 of the 2025 Playoffs? He stepped into Denver’s Mile High arena in a dramatic oversized black leather trench coat over a jet-black crewneck. And tied it all up with some statement layered silver chains, futuristic rectangular sunglasses, and a black multicolor Louis Vuitton monogram duffle. It was a “Matrix-esque” outfit which fans loved and it quickly grabbed the headlines. Well, so did Angel Reese, but not for similar reasons.

When Angel Reese made her appearance for Round 2 vs. Indiana, she entered the tunnel in an all-black, high-gloss leather trench coat that was cinched tightly at the waist. She paired it with black stiletto boots. However, it was that dramatic fur hat that instantly commanded attention and completed the whole look.

“A couple more,” she said as the photographers clicked her pictures.

Well, Reese could really use a boost of confidence ahead of the rematch with one of Chicago’s biggest rivals. After all, the last time they met, the Fever handed the Sky a brutal 35-point loss. Since then, the Fever have been finding ways to win even without Clark. In other words, this was more than just a game; It was a shot at redemption for the Sky.

And if Reese had to armor up in couture to take it, who could blame her? The internet did, though. It erupted after she strutted through the tunnel. Some social media users couldn’t make sense out of that fit and shared some negative reviews.

Fans’ takes on Angel Reese’s pregame stunt!

One person simply found it absurd. “Since when is there a red carpet in the bus tunnel?” Can we really blame the fan? Reese’s outfit really was a red carpet-level fit. But can’t blame Reese, either. After all, this is the same Angel Reese who once said, “I used to watch America’s Next Top Model with Tyra and practice my walk in the living room.” Then in college, that same walk turned into a ritual for her. Reese and her LSU teammates would use the LSU tunnel to serve fierce pregame looks. So that’s also what the WNBA should be prepared for.

Meanwhile, another fan mentioned, “She better play like my parlay depends on it because it does 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.” They were clearly unbothered about how Angel Reese showed up to the court. The fan was simply laser-focused on her box score, and not her boots. Because the truth is, while the tunnel walk was elite, her shooting percentage is still struggling.

She’s yet to crack 15 points in a single game. Naturally, for someone commanding this much attention, fans are still waiting for that breakout performance to match the energy that she brought to this entrance. That’s what made another fan speak up and bring up a rather different point. The fan called out: “And none of yall going to her games but show her love on the internet probably don’t even watch the games unless she’s playing the golden ticket and that’s CC.“

And honestly, they are not wrong. The Sky’s highest attendance comes in during their matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Fever. These games draw nearly double the average crowd. And without Clark, most Chicago home games have under 6,000 attendees, despite Angel Reese being the front and center piece of promos.

“I do recall an interview she had long before she was drafted into the WNBA. She likes fashion. You will probably never catch her wearing sweats or throwing on random clothes to a game. The MEDIA can’t wait for her to show up. It’s the red carpet for ALL PLAYERS BEFORE ALL GAMES. The hatred is unreal,” one social media user defended.

And they have got a point. When SGA shows up in designer from head to toe, it’s called elite style. But when Angel Reese, who has loved fashion since she was five and played dress-up in her mom’s closet, does the same, somehow it becomes a distraction. However, people also tried to bring some logic to their hate, as one fan wrote, “It’s 84 degrees out and she dressed for Alaska, what a clown! Can’t wait for the Fever to destroy them tonight,” questioning the practicality of the fit.

Well, knowing Angel Reese, she’s not the one to pay much heed to the hate and doesn’t really care for external validation. So, hot or not, win or lose, she won’t stop showing up in what she loves. What do you think?