Angel Reese's Unrivaled title credentials catch stray from A'ja Wilson's friend amid Dana Evans defense

A'ja Wilson's friend Michael McManus has criticized fans of Angel Reese for celebrating her Unrivaled championship win while apparently downplaying the impact of her Chicago Sky teammate Dana Evans on the Las Vegas Aces' title run.

Evans was a key member of the Aces bench throughout their title run following her arrival in February. The 5-foot-6 guard requested a trade from Chicago midway through the 2024 season after losing her starting job and having her minutes reduced.

Evans was reportedly unhappy with her role, and fans have blamed her for the tumultuous state of the Sky locker room during that season. Chicago traded her to Las Vegas in February, and Evans helped the Aces win a title in her first season, much to the frustration of Sky fans.

On Monday, McManus, who goes by "Deloris' Disciple" on X, defended Evans from the criticism:

"The irony of saying Dana didn’t contribute to the Aces title while discussing an Unrivaled title game that your fave didn’t play in and the team still won…"

DELORIS’ DISCIPLES

@wheelsfelloff_

The irony of saying Dana didn’t contribute to the Aces title while discussing an unrivaled title game that your fave didn’t play in and the team still won…

"If AR stans didn’t spend so much trying to drag Dana, they would see how illogical it is to say Dana didn’t contribute to Vegas (in a 5v5 league) while being pivotal off the bench. And then applauding their fave who missed the title game."

DELORIS’ DISCIPLES

@wheelsfelloff_

@OhBe_Won That’s the point ITS UNFAIR If AR Stan’s didn’t spend so much trying to drag Dana they would see how illogical it is to say Dana didn’t contribute to Vegas (in a 5v5 league) while being pivotal off the bench And then applauding their fave who missed the title game

Angel Reese was part of Rose BC, which won Unrivaled's inaugural championship earlier this year. However, she sustained a hand injury during the regular-season finale and had to miss the semifinals and the final.

Evans, meanwhile, averaged 10.1 points and 2.8 assists per game in the 2025 WNBA Finals. She had arguably her best game with the Aces during Game 1 when she scored 21 points on 8-for-13, including 5-for-6 from 3-point range, off the bench.

Angel Reese will not play in Unrivaled's second season

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese's offseason plans do not include playing in Unrivaled's second season. While answering a question from a fan regarding her offseason plans in the Oct. 3 episode of her "Unapologetically Angel" podcast, Reese said:

"This offseason, I'm looking forward to resting, vacations, working out. I already started again, Pilates. I'm back in Florida and loving the weather. I'm jumping in the pool, doing fun stuff, working on my podcast, meeting new people. I have so many big things coming up, and I'm really excited for them." (Timestamp: 33:41)

Reese averaged 13.3 points and 12.1 rebounds in 14 games during the 3-on-3 league's inaugural season.

The two-time WNBA All-Star was not part of Unrivaled's official roster of 46 players for the upcoming season. While there are two roster spots yet to be filled, it seems unlikely that Reese will be present, as she is focusing on other things this offseason.