Atlanta Dream Explain Angel Reese Decision After Concerning Exit

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Atlanta Dream Explain Angel Reese Decision After Concerning Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Sep 24, 2026 8:35 AM ET

The Atlanta Dream blew out the New York Liberty 83-65 in their final game of the regular season, officially securing the No. 4 seed in the WNBA playoffs and the home-court advantage that comes with it.

Allisha Gray led the way for Atlanta with 24 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Meanwhile, Naz Hillmon added 16 points and four rebounds.

However, the game wasn’t without its issues. Angel Reese, who finished with six points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals, played just 17 minutes and didn’t play at all in the second half.

Reese sustained an injury in the second quarter after getting hit in the face by Sabrina Ionescu’s elbow. The Liberty guard was called for a Flagrant 1 foul on the play and Reese was able to make her ensuing free throws, but she exited after that and never returned to action.

While Reese returned to the bench midway through the third quarter, the Dream’s decision not to put her back in the game certainly sparked some concerns about her injury and status moving forward, especially with the playoffs coming.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reacts after getting fouled.Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

In his postgame press conference, Dream head coach Karl Smesko addressed Reese’s injury and exit, noting that there is no need to be worried about her condition.

Reese was okay and was even “cleared” to return to the game, but Smesko decided not to put her back in and risk a more serious injury.

“We made a decision that it would be smarter for her to sit out the second half,” Smesko stated, according to Cydney Henderson of USA Today.

Angel Reese headed to the locker room after this play.

Sabrina Ionescu was assessed a Flagrant 1. pic.twitter.com/BUpWfJiRqE
— espnW (@espnW) September 24, 2026

Reese averaged a career-high 16.4 points on 45.1% shooting this season. She also tallied 12.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game. She’s No. 1 in rebounding and is in the top five in steals.

With that said, the Dream will certainly need Reese to be at 100% in the playoffs if they want to make a deep run and potentially contend for the title.

Fortunately, Reese is doing well and should be ready once the playoffs start.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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