Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese attempted what has been described as one of the worst shots in basketball history during a WNBA game on Monday night, and the moment quickly went viral on social media. The clip drew widespread attention partly because it came amid a wider narrative around Reese, following a week in which she had faced criticism for incorrectly claiming that no Black Barbie dolls existed during her childhood, and amid comparisons to the media attention received by fellow WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.

The article, published by Fox Sports' OutKick, frames the airball-style shot as part of a pattern of scrutiny facing Reese, whose on-court performances have increasingly been discussed alongside off-court controversies and commentary from pundits. Commentators referenced in the piece, including Dan Dakich, have been critical of how Reese has responded to recent coverage, while the piece notes she had hoped her play would speak for itself rather than the ongoing off-court discourse.