Angel Reese Steals the Show at 2024 BET Awards! Shaq’s Heartfelt Tribute Leaves Fans in Tears
Angel Reese Steals the Show at 2024 BET Awards! Shaq’s Heartfelt Tribute Leaves Fans in Tears
On Sunday, Angel Reese broke Candace Parker’s rookie record for most consecutive games with a double-double. After the game, Teresa Weatherspoon talked about Reese’s impressive season
Angel Reese capped off her record-breaking weekend with some hardware.
Sunday Night, the Chicago Sky’s star rookie forward was named Sportswoman of the Year at the 2024 BET Awards.
Reese, who set the single-season record for most consecutive double-doubles in WNBA history Sunday, was unable to accept the award in person but thanked the network on social media that evening.
Reese has played a pivotal role in the growth of women’s collegiate and professional basketball since winning the NCAA national championship with LSU in 2023. She took the Tigers to the Elite Eight the following year in 2024, only to be eliminated by superstar Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Still, it was a marvelous season for Reese, who was named SEC Player of the Year on 18.6 points per game and 13.4 rebounds per game.
Reese has been dominant to start her WNBA career after being drafted No. 7 overall by the Sky in April. She currently leads the entire league with 11.4 rebounds per game, and is the second leading-scorer among rookies with 13.3 points per game, trailing only Caitlin Clark.
She’s made plenty of headlines off the court this year, too. Reese walked the Met Gala carpet on her 22nd Birthday in a stunning mint-colored dress by Marco Capaldo.
Love her or hate her, she’s an undeniable “it girl.”
A Star-Studded Lineup
The 2024 BET Awards saw some of the biggest names in sports vying for the coveted Sportswoman of the Year title. The competition was fierce, featuring stars like Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, Coco Gauff, Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, Sha’Carri Richardson, Juju Watkins, and Flau’jae Johnson.
The anticipation was palpable, and the result left fans buzzing.
Shaq’s Overwhelming Pride
Angel Reese, having an outstanding rookie year with the Chicago Sky, emerged victorious. Her honorary uncle, Shaquille O’Neal, was over the moon.
Sharing The Shade Room’s post on Instagram, Shaq congratulated Reese, showing his pride and joy. Reese, in turn, thanked BET for the honor on X, formerly known as Twitter. O’Neal’s support was evident as he shared her post on his stories too.
Record-Breaking Performance
Reese’s award came at a perfect time, coinciding with her impressive new record. Though she couldn’t attend the ceremony due to a game against the Minnesota Lynx, her performance on the court was stellar. She scored 10 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, marking her 10th consecutive double-double, a WNBA record surpassing Candace Parker’s previous mark.
Shaq’s Bold Predictions
Shaquille O’Neal, ever the proud supporter, has high hopes for his “niece.” He believes Reese is on track to win the Rookie of the Year award, a title Candace Parker won in 2008. Shaq’s confidence in Reese is unwavering, often sharing his predictions and support on social media.
Their bond is evident, with Shaq standing by Reese through thick and thin, including against critics and trolls.
The Rivalry with Caitlin Clark
Reese’s journey in the WNBA is made even more interesting by her rivalry with Caitlin Clark, the number one draft pick.
Their competition has added drama and excitement to the league, with fans eagerly debating who will take home the Rookie of the Year title. Shaq’s loyalty to Reese is clear, often referring to her as a future star in the league.
Shaq’s Advice and Support
Shaquille O’Neal has been a guiding force for Reese, offering advice and unwavering support. In an exclusive with PEOPLE, Shaq emphasized his desire for Reese to remain true to herself and continue making strides in her career. “I don’t want her to apologize. I want her to stay beautiful, stay classy, and continue making a name for herself,” Shaq said.
With his support, Angel Reese is undoubtedly on the right path to greatness.
Breanna Stewart’s Podcast Revelation
Breanna Stewart, the reigning MVP of the WNBA, recently shared her thoughts on the league’s promising rookies during an appearance on the Best of Both Worlds podcast. Hosted by Flau’jae Johnson, Stewart’s conversation delved into the standout performances of the 2024 rookie class, with particular emphasis on Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese.
“I think Angel, the way that she’s constantly working hard — doing all the dirty work right now. Rebounds, steals, making sure she’s in all of the action. Whatever way she can help her team,” Stewart remarked, showcasing her admiration for Reese’s relentless effort on the court.
Angel Reese’s Record-Breaking Season
Angel Reese has been making waves in her debut season, already setting a WNBA record with 11 consecutive double-doubles. This remarkable feat highlights her consistency and tenacity, earning her a prominent spot among the league’s emerging stars.
In a recent game against the Atlanta Dream, Reese tallied 12 points and grabbed a career-high 19 rebounds, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable force in the paint.
The Chicago Sky and New York Liberty have clashed twice this season, with each team securing a victory.
These matchups have not only been a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams but also set the stage for future encounters. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming back-to-back games on July 11 and 13, where Reese will once again go head-to-head with Stewart, promising thrilling basketball action.
Excitement Builds for Stewart vs. Clark Showdown
As the WNBA season progresses, another highly-anticipated matchup looms on the horizon. Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty are set to face off against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Saturday afternoon.
This game promises to be a showcase of elite talent, with Stewart’s seasoned skills going up against Clark’s dynamic playmaking abilities. Fans are buzzing with excitement, eager to see how this encounter will unfold.
The high praise from a veteran like Stewart speaks volumes about the potential of the 2024 rookie class. Angel Reese’s impressive start, coupled with the competitive matchups and upcoming games, highlights a season filled with promise and thrilling basketball. As these young players continue to develop and make their mark, the future of the WNBA looks brighter than ever, captivating fans and drawing new audiences to the sport.
Breanna Stewart’s insights and the ongoing performances of rookies like Angel Reese are proving that the next generation of WNBA stars is ready to take the league by storm, bringing fresh energy and excitement to every game.
But while her performance on the court is historic, her potential off the court could be even sweeter. Rumors are swirling about a significant endorsement deal with a $37 billion candy giant, Hershey’s.
