CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: Angel Reese 5 of the Atlanta Dream looks on during the first half against the Chicago Sky on April 29, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 29 Preseason Atlanta Dreamagainst the Chicago Sky EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260429012
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 29: Angel Reese 5 of the Atlanta Dream looks on during the first half against the Chicago Sky on April 29, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA APR 29 Preseason Atlanta Dreamagainst the Chicago Sky EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260429012
As Shakira Austin and the Washington Mystics took down the Atlanta Dream 79-74 this Friday, online fans were quick to question Dream forward Angel Reese’s spot on the Team USA roster.
And the stats didn’t help. Reese recorded just 7 points, 16 rebounds and 1 block in under 33 minutes. Meanwhile, Austin racked up 21 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks within 27 minutes. Outplaying Reese, the Mystics star now sits at a particular height.
“(Shakira Austin) joins A'ja Wilson as the only players with a 20+ point, 10+ rebound, 5+ block game this season,” Underdog WNBA posted on X on August 8, 2026.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 24: Shakira Austin 0 of the Washington Mystics reacts to a foul against her during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Washington Mystics and the Minnesota Lynx on June 24, 2026 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC. Photo by Ben Hsu/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUN 24 Minnesota Lynx at Washington Mystics EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon224260624070
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 24: Shakira Austin 0 of the Washington Mystics reacts to a foul against her during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA game between the Washington Mystics and the Minnesota Lynx on June 24, 2026 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC. Photo by Ben Hsu/Icon Sportswire WNBA: JUN 24 Minnesota Lynx at Washington Mystics EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon224260624070
Their shared clip perfectly highlighted some of Austin’s best moments of getting the buckets, rebounding the ball and blocking shots, including Reese’s. Clearly, a healthy Austin outmatches Reese on both ends.
So, the baseline of the debate was why not clump her with the 2026 FIBA Women’s star-studded roster, which includes Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, etc., instead of Angel?
And the fans had much to add.
Fans on Why Shakira Austin Should Replace Angel Reese
Going by the stats, Austin has been producing more this season (16.1 PPG, 9.6 REB, 2.6 AST), while Reese is already known for her rebounding game (15.7 PPG, 11.8 REB, 2.5 AST). However, the gap isn't that big, and fans expressed bewilderment about having Reese on the squad and not Austin.
“It's embarrassing that Angel is on Team USA over her (Austin) and Kiki (Rice),” one fan wrote. Another agreed, “I think I speak on behalf of the WNBA community when I say that Shakira Austin should be on Team USA instead of Angel Reese.” “CLEARS Angel,” added another.
Moreover, Austin was a better all-around player that night. Beyond raw stats, her shooting efficiency (47.7% FG, 38.5% 3PT) dwarfs Reese's (42.2% FG, 13.9% 3PT). So, more room for fans to keep the debate up.
“Shakira Austin really decided the entire court was her responsibility tonight,” wrote a fan. Another added, “Team USA prefers Angel Reese because, to quote some folks, 'she grabs a ton of rebounds.’ Who cares about rebounds if you're only snagging 4-5 more than everyone else thanks to your missed layups. And I'm not even touching those 3pt percentages of hers.”
Austin is putting the league on notice, and the fans have caught up. Reese now, if wants to keep being among the big names, has got to upscale her game.
The Dream vs Toronto Tempo on August 10 will be her chance.
Do you think she’ll be able to? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy