Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, despite a strong first season in the WNBA, found herself at the center of an unexpected social media storm after receiving a single vote in the league’s MVP race. Reese, who averaged a double-double with 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, earned a fourth-place vote-leading to widespread discussion online.

Fans and analysts alike took to social media to question how Reese, a rookie who dealt with a wrist injury, secured a vote in a race dominated by Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, who won the MVP award unanimously. Many were surprised that Reese, whose team didn’t even make the playoffs, managed to garner recognition typically reserved for the league’s top performers.

Angel Reese from the bench cheering on the Chicago Sky

Reese addressed the buzz lightheartedly, taking to X (formerly Twitter) with the message, “Woke up again a very blessed girl. A very happy girl,” seemingly unfazed by the unexpected scrutiny.

Reese’s Rookie season in context

While Reese’s rookie year was commendable, her numbers didn’t necessarily scream MVP. Playing for a Chicago Sky team that failed to make the playoffs for the first time in six years, Reese was a consistent presence on the court. However, she was outshined by teammate Chennedy Carter, who led the team in scoring with 17.5 points per game, yet did not receive any MVP votes herself.

Chicago’s post-Olympic struggles further complicated the team’s performance, especially after the mid-season trade of Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun. With a roster in transition, the Sky couldn’t replicate their championship run from 2021, but Reese’s standout stats still earned her some recognition-even if it came as a surprise.

Caitlin Clark’s strong playoff push

In comparison, Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark had a standout season and led her team to the playoffs as the No. 6 seed. Clark’s leadership and on-court brilliance were so notable that she finished fourth in the MVP race, though she did not receive any first-place votes.

Ultimately, Wilson’s dominant performance throughout the season made her the undisputed MVP, but Reese’s surprising fourth-place vote highlights how unpredictable the awards process can be. While some argue the vote was undeserved, others view it as recognition of Reese’s potential in future seasons.

As the WNBA continues to grow, the MVP voting process is bound to spark conversations-and Reese’s surprising inclusion this year is a perfect example of how even a single vote can fuel widespread debate.