Shaq’s Eight Words About Angel Reese Ignite WNBA Debate

The TNT Inside the NBA studio was unusually still when Shaquille O’Neal leaned forward during a segment on Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese. Just 48 hours earlier, Reese had led the Sky to a 94–89 win over the Las Vegas Aces, posting 22 points, 14 rebounds, and a viral, slow-wave celebration toward the Aces bench.

Reactions split instantly — some called it confident, others disrespectful. But it was Shaq’s eight ice-cold words, delivered live and unscripted, that set off a media firestorm.

The moment wasn’t in TNT’s pre-show notes, and it vanished from the network’s official clips within hours. Still, fan-recorded footage flooded TikTok and X, trending in the top three hashtags overnight.

Teammates, commentators, and sports talk radio hosts debated whether the Hall of Famer’s bluntness was tough love or an unfair shot at a rookie.

Whatever the intent, the clip has cemented itself as one of the most talked-about WNBA moments of the season — and the fallout isn’t over yet.