Angel Reese Sidelined in Fourth Quarter as Atlanta Dream Defeats Chicago Sky

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese exited Sunday’s 93-91 victory over the Chicago Sky in the fourth quarter after suffering a leg injury during a layup attempt and did not return to the game.

Just 15 seconds into the final period, Reese drove for a layup when she appeared to roll her ankle upon releasing the ball, collapsing to the floor. The initial foul call on Courtney Vandersloot was overturned after review, as replay footage confirmed Vandersloot did not make contact. Reese had been wearing a sleeve on her left knee prior to the incident.

Following a brief stint on the court, Reese returned to the bench and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game. Head coach Karl Smesko addressed the media but provided no update on her injury status.

“It was difficult during the timeout,” Smesko said. “We were all focused on Angel, and she clearly appeared to be in significant pain. While she wanted to continue, her competitiveness and desire to win were evident, but I couldn’t let her risk further injury.”

Reese, a two-time All-Star with Chicago, entered the game averaging a career-high 15.7 points and a league-best 11.8 rebounds. She was traded to Atlanta along with a second-round pick in exchange for two first-round selections during the offseason. On Sunday, she contributed eight points and five rebounds in 20 minutes of play.

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