Angel Reese learned a valuable lesson about poking the bear in late April and early May. After spending much of the Detroit Pistons’ first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic gloating on social media, the WNBA star found herself on the receiving end of some playful payback from Pistons fans during Game 7.
The tables turned dramatically on Sunday, May 3, when the Pistons secured a 116-94 victory over the Magic to win the series and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. While Reese’s boyfriend, Wendell Carter Jr., was at the free throw line during the fourth quarter, Pistons fans chanted his girlfriend’s name in a moment of poetic justice that quickly went viral.
The Trolling Comes Full Circle
Reese had been notably vocal throughout the series, particularly when the Magic jumped out to a commanding three-games-to-one lead. During that momentum shift, the Chicago Sky forward took to social media multiple times to celebrate Orlando’s success, sharing photos, videos, and plenty of commentary that rubbed many Pistons fans the wrong way.
One particularly memorable moment came when Reese shared a clip of Magic forward Jamal Cain posterizing Pistons center Jalen Duren with a thunderous slam dunk during Game 4. The post, which highlighted Duren getting dunked on, seemed to be a direct shot at the young Pistons player who happens to be Reese’s rumored ex-boyfriend.
When the final buzzer sounded on Game 7 and the Pistons completed their comeback from a 3-1 deficit, Detroit fans made sure Reese knew exactly how they felt about her social media antics. The chanting at the free throw line was just the beginning, as clips of the moment spread across social media with millions of views.
The Dramatic Playoff Series
The Pistons-Magic series was one of the most compelling first-round matchups of the postseason. After dropping the first two games at home, the Magic appeared to be in complete control when they took that 3-1 series lead. Orlando fans, emboldened by the team’s performance, had plenty to celebrate including:
- Strong homecourt advantage throughout the early games
- Dominant performances from Carter Jr. in several contests
- The emotional momentum of being one win away from advancing
- Social media support from high-profile figures like Reese
But the Pistons refused to go quietly. Detroit won Game 5 on the road, returned home for a decisive Game 6 victory, and then closed things out with the emphatic Game 7 win that sent them to the second round for the first time in years.
The victory set up a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, giving Pistons fans even more to celebrate as their team continues its surprising postseason run.
Angel Reese’s Complicated Connection to Both Teams
What made this situation particularly juicy for basketball fans was Reese’s complicated relationship history with players on both sides of this series. Her connection to Carter Jr. has been public knowledge for months, while her past involvement with Duren added another layer of intrigue to an already heated rivalry.
Reese and Carter Jr., 27, have never explicitly confirmed when their relationship began, but rumors first started swirling in May 2025 when he attended her birthday party. Since then, the WNBA star has been a regular presence at Magic home games and has frequently worn Orlando gear in her social media posts, making her allegiances crystal clear throughout the series.
The situation with Duren is more complicated. The two were linked romantically throughout 2024, and after months of speculation, both posted photos from the same vacation destination during the NBA’s Olympic break, fueling further rumors. In January 2025, Reese addressed the speculation publicly, though she stopped short of confirming a full-blown relationship.
Despite whatever past history may exist between them, Duren clearly wasn’t fazed by any online chatter from his former rumored flame. The 22-year-old center played crucial minutes throughout the series and was part of a Pistons frontcourt that ultimately dominated the Magic in the deciding games.
What Comes Next
For Reese, this playoff elimination marks the end of her boyfriend’s season while she continues her own WNBA career with the Chicago Sky. The experience of being on the opposite side of a heated rivalry—and then getting trolled for it—has become a memorable chapter in what has already been a drama-filled year for the popular WNBA player.
As for the Pistons, they now shift their focus to the Cavaliers in what promises to be another challenging series. The team’s ability to rally from a 3-1 deficit has given fans hope that this could be a special postseason run for Detroit basketball.
For Reese, the lesson is clear: social media works both ways, and fans remember everything you post—especially when their team wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Angel Reese dating?
Angel Reese is in a relationship with NBA player Wendell Carter Jr., who plays for the Orlando Magic. The two have been linked since May 2025 when Carter Jr. attended Reese’s birthday party.
Who is Jalen Duren?
Jalen Duren is a 22-year-old center for the Detroit Pistons. He was romantically linked to Angel Reese in 2024, though neither confirmed a formal relationship.
Did the Pistons win the series?
Yes, the Detroit Pistons won the first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic in Game 7 with a score of 116-94. They advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals to face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
What did Angel Reese post during the series?
When the Magic took a 3-1 series lead, Reese posted multiple photos and videos celebrating Orlando’s success, including a clip of Magic player Jamal Cain dunking on Jalen Duren during Game 4.
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