Angel Reese exited Sunday’s game against the Chicago Sky after her left leg appeared to give out attempting a layup early in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Dream ruled her out for the remainder of the 93-91 victory. The sequence left Reese on the bench while Atlanta closed out the win on Jordin Canada’s buzzer-beating layup.
The All-Star forward had logged 20 minutes when she left. Reese finished the night 3-of-13 from the field for eight points and five rebounds; her availability for the July 25 WNBA All-Star Game is now uncertain pending further evaluation.
What happened late in the game
The play occurred 14 seconds into the fourth quarter. Reese drove to the rim for a short layup, missed, and her left leg gave out as she went to the floor. She managed to get up briefly before going down a second time and eventually returned to the bench for a medical evaluation.
Coaches and team medical staff assessed Reese on the sideline, and Atlanta announced she would not return. The Dream held on despite Chicago’s rally; Jordin Canada’s baseline finish at the buzzer produced the final 93-91 score.
Angel Reese’s stat line and rebounding context
Tonight’s line:
- 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3-of-13 FG in 20 minutes
- 4 offensive rebounds — two were “mebounds” (offensive rebounds on her own misses)
- 1 three-point attempt (missed), 3 turnovers, 3 fouls
- Minus-7 plus-minus
Reese entered the game averaging 15.7 points and a league-leading 11.8 rebounds per game. Four of her five rebounds Sunday came on the offensive glass; two were described as “mebounds,” where she retrieved her own missed shot. The offensive boards were crucial in keeping possessions alive, even as her overall shooting (3-of-13) marked one of her tougher scoring nights since joining Atlanta.
How the injury affects Atlanta and All-Star outlook
The Dream improved to 16-10 with the victory, but the club will monitor Reese’s left-leg issue closely. Atlanta has not confirmed the severity of the injury and provided no timetable for return; medical tests and further team updates are expected in the coming days.
Reese’s selection and ability to participate in the WNBA All-Star Game on July 25 are now uncertain. The league typically defers to team medical clearances when confirming All-Star availability; if the Dream determine Reese needs rest or further treatment, a replacement would likely be named.
Play timeline and reactions
The game narrative shifted after Reese’s exit. Atlanta had led by as many as 22 points in the first half but allowed Chicago to chip away at the margin in the second. With Reese sidelined, the Dream leaned on their depth while trying to contain the Sky’s late push.
After the game, coach Karl Smesko said Reese was in “great spirits celebrating with her teammates.” WNBA reporter Wilton Jackson relayed Smesko’s remarks on social media, writing that Reese “wanted to go out there and keep playing,” and quoting Smesko that he “didn’t feel comfortable with it because she looked like she was in a lot of pain.” Those comments reflect both Reese’s competitive intent and the staff’s precautionary approach.
Immediate impact and rotation considerations
Atlanta does not play again until July 29, which gives the team a brief window to evaluate Reese and adjust the rotation if necessary. If Reese is held out of practice or the next game, expect the Dream to redistribute post minutes among their frontcourt options and rely more on perimeter players to shoulder scoring load and contested rebound duties.
Reese’s league-leading rebounding (11.8 per game) underscores how significant even a short absence could be. The Dream will likely emphasize defensive rebounding schemes and second-chance prevention to offset any temporary drop in offensive-board production.
What to watch next
- Official team injury updates and practice reports from the Atlanta Dream for medical details and a timeline.
- WNBA announcements regarding All-Star roster availability; replacements are typically named if a player is ruled out.
- Atlanta’s rotation notes and expected minutes breakdown for the July 29 game to see who steps into heavier post and rebound roles.
Background
Reese was acquired by Atlanta in April in a high-profile trade that sent two first-round draft picks to Chicago. Since joining the Dream she is 2-0 against the Sky and has produced several double-doubles; she posted a 23-point, 12-rebound game against Toronto on Friday that was her 17th double-double of the season, illustrating the immediate impact she has had this year.
Source attribution
Primary coverage and game details from Fox News/Outkick. Full story: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/angel-reese-exits-game-injury-pathetic-stat-line-former-team
Reporter notes: quotes relayed via WNBA reporter Wilton Jackson; coach comments attributed to Karl Smesko as reported postgame.
