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In a recent WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky, LSU basketball stars Angel Reese and NaLyssa Smith captured fans' attention with a fierce display of their character.
The thrilling match was marked by a moment where Reese and Smith conveyed a powerful message to the referee, kicking the official out of their team talk as they huddled around.
A controversial call by the referee prompted a strong reaction from Reese and Smith. But rather than letting the moment disrupt their focus, the duo used it as an opportunity to rally their respective teammates and the fans.
in a rare display of cross-team sportsmanship, the referee approached the players with the ball, but both Reese and Smith were united in telling the official to mind her own business as they continued their own discussion.
After they went away, Reese asked the official from afar if everything was good with raised thumbs. Their message to the referee, while direct, was delivered with respect, highlighting their maturity and understanding of the game despite not long being out of college basketball.
Reese, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has made the headlines with her bullish, no-nonsense behavior in her rookie season. Likewise, Smith has made her mark, leading fans to draw parallels with their tutelage under Kim Mulkey.
Kim Mulkey helped shape Angel Reese and NaLyssa Smith careers
Kim Mulkey, the renowned coach of LSU, has played a significant role in shaping the WNBA duo. The 62-year-old, who has coached LSU since 2021, places an emphasis on discipline, hard work, and resilience in her coaching.
She worked with Reese in their championship win in 2023 and prior to that, she worked at Baylor when Smith attended the school in 2019.
It's fair to say this is evident in Reese and Smith's approach to the game. But Mulkey's influence also extends to the mental side of the game, teaching her players about sporting behavior and instilling a sense of responsibility.
Their actions will no doubt rub off on young fans watching the game, and Mulkey can take some pride from her role in making it happen.