Angel Reese, a standout player for the Atlanta Dream, experienced a difficult weekend, culminating in an injury and one of her poorest performances of the season. During Sunday afternoon’s game against her former team, the Chicago Sky, Reese’s left leg gave out as she attempted a layup early in the fourth quarter.
Disappointing Game Performance
Before leaving the game due to injury, Reese’s performance was subpar. In her 20 minutes on the court, she scored only eight points and grabbed five rebounds. She successfully made just 3 of her 13 shot attempts, missed her sole three-point shot, and committed three turnovers. Her negative seven rating was the lowest for any player on the Dream during their 93-91 victory.
Reese’s rebounding remains strong, yet she only managed one defensive rebound. Most of her boards were offensive, often coming from rebounding her own missed shots.
Prior Success and Injury Details
Reese entered this game averaging 15.7 points and leading the league with 11.8 rebounds per game. In her previous matchup against Toronto, she secured 23 points and 12 rebounds, marking her 17th double-double of the season.
Her off game against the Sky did not stem from her injury, as Reese had been on the court for 20 minutes before her leg issue arose early in the fourth quarter. Head coach Karl Smesko reported that Reese was in good spirits and eager to continue playing, but her visible pain led him to keep her off the court.
Team Support and Future Prospects
Despite Reese’s struggle, her teammates managed to secure the win. Atlanta led by 22 points before the Sky nearly closed the gap. Reese exited with Atlanta holding a narrow lead, and guard Jordin Canada secured the win with a last-second layup. The victory moved the Dream to a 16-10 record, with Reese 2-0 against the Sky since being acquired in April.
Recovery and Expectations
The Dream’s next game is scheduled for July 29, offering Reese time to recuperate. However, the WNBA All-Star Game on July 25 raises questions about her ability to participate. As one of the league’s top attractions, along with Caitlin Clark, Reese’s presence is highly anticipated for the event. The league hopes for her swift recovery and return to form.
Reporter Dan Zaksheske provides coverage at OutKick.