Reese-Harrison scuffle shows WNBA still has a long way to go in protecting stars

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) dribbles against Toronto Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison (21) during the first half at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Angel Reese-Isabelle Harrison scuffle shows WNBA still has a long way to go in protecting stars

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 14, 2026 6:52 PM ET

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Toronto Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison briefly played middle linebacker in Sunday's home game against the Atlanta Dream.

With Toronto trailing Atlanta 52-42 in the third quarter, Harrison grabbed forward Angel Reese, who was trying to establish post position, and dragged her to the ground. The Dream star didn't retaliate but appeared to scream something at Harrison when she regained her footing.

The initial call was a common foul, but it was upgraded to a flagrant 2 after review, automatically ejecting Harrison. She finished with a team-high 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field and grabbed three rebounds.

Reese, meanwhile, turned in an excellent performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 17 rebounds, leading the Dream (9-4) to a 102-77 win over the Tempo (7-7). The scuffle, however, will emerge as one of the game's main storylines. It's another example of how WNBA officiating crews often fail to safeguard young stars.

The Tempo's Isabelle Harrison was ejected for this flagrant 2 against Angel Reese.

Was this the right call? pic.twitter.com/LcFZAWMb7Y
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 14, 2026

Angel Reese's scuffle isn't abnormal in WNBA

Reese, along with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (both 24), is among the new wave of stars who have helped the WNBA grow considerably. That popularity has made them targets.

Clark's incidents have received the most attention, and understandably so. One would think the WNBA would do more to protect its marquee star. Remember when former Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon (now with the Chicago Sky) poked her in the eye in a game in 2025?

The league doesn't do much to protect Reese, either. During her rookie season with Sky in 2024, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas tossed her to the ground when she was trying to grab a rebound.

Now, Reese sometimes brings these incidents upon herself by often instigating opponents. Clips on social media showed her and Harrison chirping before the tussle. That still doesn't allow Harrison, 32, to try her best impersonation of San Francisco 49ers star LB Fred Warner on Reese.

The WNBA has worked to improve officiating, but there is still room for growth. These crews should intervene more to prevent incidents, like the one in Sunday's matchup. These, of course, are a terrible look for the league.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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