Key Highlights
- NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal playfully mocked Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese on the LSU sidelines by flashing her trademark “too small” hand gesture.
- The taunt references Reese’s celebration during Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries, who ultimately rallied back to win the title.
- Despite the ribbing, the lighthearted interaction highlights the deep bond between the two LSU alumni, whom Reese has long described as a father figure and mentor.
Sideline Reunion at Tiger Stadium Takes a Playful Turn
Angel Reese thought she was giving Shaquille O’Neal an opportunity to say something on camera. Instead, the former NBA champion used the moment to turn the tables on the Atlanta Dream star by copying one of her most recognizable celebrations. The lighthearted moment occurred on the sidelines at Tiger Stadium before the LSU Tigers football team took on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, marking a vibrant homecoming for two of the university’s most famous alumni.
Reese, who led the LSU women’s basketball program to a national championship before turning professional, was spending time alongside O’Neal when she turned her smartphone camera toward him and asked him to say a few words. Rather than delivering a conventional message, the four-time NBA champion brought his thumb and index finger together to perform the “too small” gesture that has become widely associated with Reese. Reese responded swiftly to the camera, telling him, it’s okay, it’s okay,
before playfully nudging her phone in O’Neal’s direction as if taking a shot at the Hall of Fame center.
The Origins of the “Too Small” Taunt and WNBA Finals Backlash
While the interaction in Baton Rouge was clearly an instance of affectionate banter, it underscored how Reese’s signature celebration continues to follow her in the wake of the 2026 WNBA Finals. The gesture originally attracted widespread attention during Game 3 between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries. With Atlanta firmly in control on their way to a 97-71 blowout and a 2-1 series lead, Reese flashed the “too small” signal toward Golden State’s bench with under 30 seconds remaining on the clock.
The tide of the championship series turned drastically after that moment. Golden State fought back to capture the next two contests before Atlanta forced a decisive Game 7. The Valkyries ultimately clinched the championship on October 31 with a 68-63 triumph, led by Finals MVP Gabby Williams, who scored 30 points—including 28 in the second half. Reese concluded the finale with eight points and 12 rebounds, but the aftermath of the defeat turned her earlier taunt into fodder for opponents and critics alike.
During the championship celebrations, Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg mimicked the celebration, while former Warriors center Festus Ezeli escalated the mockery at the team’s victory parade on November 4. Ezeli sported a custom shirt featuring Reese executing the gesture, altered with the crying Michael Jordan meme over her face, and performed the hand motion along the parade route. With O’Neal now joining in, the teasing has reached into Reese’s own inner circle.
Why This Matters
The playful trolling by O’Neal illustrates how high-profile sports taunts can evolve into lasting cultural moments that transcend individual games. Rather than signaling genuine animosity, the exchange reflects the enduring, multi-generational connection shared by LSU basketball greats. O’Neal, who starred for the Tigers from 1989 to 1992, has served as a dedicated advocate for Reese throughout her career transitions—from her collegiate stardom and the 2024 WNBA Draft (where she went seventh overall to the Chicago Sky) to her tenure with the Atlanta Dream.
Their bond was prominently displayed in March 2024 when O’Neal joined Reese’s mother to escort the forward during her LSU Senior Day ceremonies. Reese has consistently credited O’Neal as a trusted confidant and father figure who supports her beyond her athletic accomplishments. While opponents and fans continue to use the 2026 Finals celebration as competitive bulletin-board material, O’Neal’s sideline jab confirms that even her closest mentors are willing to playfully hold her accountable as she navigates her professional career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shaquille O’Neal perform the “too small” gesture toward Angel Reese?
O’Neal was playfully teasing Reese on the sidelines of an LSU football game by mimicking the celebration she used during Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries, a series Atlanta went on to lose.
What is the history behind Angel Reese and Shaquille O’Neal’s relationship?
Both are prominent LSU basketball alumni who share a close personal friendship. Reese has described O’Neal as a mentor and father figure who has supported her throughout her college and professional career, including escorting her onto the court for LSU Senior Day in March 2024.
Who else has mocked Reese’s celebration since the WNBA Finals?
Following the Golden State Valkyries’ Game 7 victory, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg mimicked the hand motion during team celebrations, and former Golden State center Festus Ezeli wore a parade shirt showing Reese’s gesture merged with the crying Michael Jordan meme.
