Giannis Antetokounmpo hails Ariel Atkins' passionate defense of Angel Reese against persistent hating

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo lauded Chicago Sky’s Ariel Atkins' gesture on Tuesday, when she defended Angel Reese from persistent criticism. Atkins had a passionate monologue on how Reese handled negative pressure from outside the court, following the Sky’s 85-66 loss to defending champions New York Liberty.

Talking to the media, Atkins addressed the criticisms around Reese as she shielded her teammate from malicious questions.

“So, whatever questions y'all got about our team, basketball-wise, we appreciate it. But all the other nonsense, like, it's irrelevant. We're here to play basketball and do what we do. We're having a hard time right now,” Atkins said.

“This is a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy. So whatever else, like, y'all want to come at her for the way that she acts, she has to build the wall,” she added while Reese was sitting beside her.

This gesture left Giannis impressed as he reposted Atkins’ press conference video on his X account with his reaction.

“That’s a great teammate right there💯💪🏾,” he wrote.

Giannis, a former NBA champion and two-time MVP, lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs this year to the Indiana Pacers, whose squad is now playing in the Finals.

Meanwhile, as one of the veterans in the Sky, the 28-year-old Atkins has been a stabilizer in the backcourt for Chicago, helping the likes of their youthful core, such as Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

However, the Sky has struggled this season, tallying a 2-7 record so far. The bad start was attributed to Reese, who has become the face of the franchise since being drafted seventh overall last year.

Angel Reese averaged 10.1 points on 35.8 shooting from the field, along with 12.1 rebounds per game in the eight games she played so far.

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Angel Reese expresses appreciation to Ariel Atkins

Following Ariel Atkins’ passionate defence of Angel Reese, the young Sky forward expressed her appreciation for the veteran guard. On her post in X, Reese said she was grateful to see her teammate come to her defense against external noise.

“Love my Vet man🥺💗,” she wrote, reposting the press conference video.

During the press conference, Angel Reese was also seen smiling and covering her mouth while Atkins delivered her message to the media.

Atkins is averaging 13.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game this season. As they try to cancel out the external noise, the Sky is expected to face its struggles in the WNBA.