WNBA fans react to Angel Reese missing layups in NBA 2k25 following season-ending injury (Image credit: Imagn)
This season, Angel Reese made her presence felt in the WNBA, setting and breaking a number of records throughout her rookie year. However, one major criticism of Reese has been her struggles with finishing near the rim. Statistically, the Chicago Sky rookie posted a 43.8% shooting percentage on attempts within five feet of the basket, the lowest in the league.
The stats have carried over to NBA 2K25, and fans allege that Reese’s in-game character model is missing wide-open layups. In a compilation video on X, formerly known as Twitter, Reese can be seen missing wide-open layups around the rim.
This could be partially attributed to in-game settings, which allow users to decide how they want the game to handle field goals. For example, one option is to turn on layup timing, which gives users full control of field goal attempts.
Despite that, NBA and WNBA fans quickly reacted to the situation.
“Yooo, this cold. Even 2K hates our Barbie girl,” one wrote.
“Finally 2k got something accurate,” one joked
“lol wtf they gave her 90 overall lol,” another added.
Others also weighed in:
“Shit look crazy,” one wrote.
“Realistic,” another added.
Looking at Angel Reese’s stats from this season following viral NBA 2K25 footage
As previously mentioned, one of the reasons Angel Reese’s in-game character model missed so many layups in the above clip could be user settings. For example, using the layup timing feature, the person playing could intentionally make her miss layups.
Another explanation for the misses could be the fact that Reese’s inside scoring is a 67 overall on NBA 2K25, with her layup being a 68 overall. In addition, her close shot rating, which determines shots near the basket are not considered layups, is a 70 overall.
The rating stems from Reese’s 43.8% FG% from within five feet of the basket, the lowest in the WNBA. Dearica Hamby, for example, was averaging just shy of 65.0%, while A’ja Wilson averaged just over 65.0%. While Reese took the most shot attempts from within five feet, she shot the lowest percentage.
The Sky rookie’s in-game character simply may not be proficient in inside scoring. However, her offensive rebound is a 98 overall in-game and her defensive rebound is a 91 overall in-game.
While previous NBA 2K games in the past had badges for players like Angel Reese, who frequently get their own offensive rebounds and second-chance points, NBA 2K25 doesn’t have a Putback Boss badge.
While Reese does have the Hall of Fame Rebound Chaser badge and the Boxout Beast badge, she doesn’t have the Paint Prodigy badge, which would boost shot attempts inside the paint.
