WNBA facing backlash over Angel Reese incident

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WNBA facing backlash over Angel Reese incident

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 24, 2026 1:00 PM ET

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream wrapped up their regular-season schedule on a high note. They defeated the New York Liberty to extend their winning streak to five games and clinched homecourt advantage in the first round. However, the WNBA is facing backlash over an incident late in the second quarter.

Reese finished with six points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals in 17 minutes. Allisha Gray led the way for Atlanta with a game-high 24 points, along with four rebounds and five assists in the 83-65 victory. Naz Hillmon and Jordin Canada combined for 28 points, six rebounds and eight assists.

Meanwhile, the Liberty’s attack was spearheaded by Jonquel Jones’ 10 points and 14 assists in 20 minutes. She exited the game in the third quarter after tweaking her ankle and did not return.

Fans blast WNBA over Angel Reese incident in second quarter

New York guard Sabrina Ionescu brought the ball down into the team’s attack zone. She stopped at the three-point line and hit her arm on Reese’s face. The three-time All-Star forward went to locker room and did not see more action in the game.

Status alert: Angel Reese (face) headed to locker room Wednesday.

Sabrina Ionescu was assessed a Flagrant 1 for the foul.pic.twitter.com/DOdGin5VU4

— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) September 24, 2026

Ionescu was assessed with a Flagrant 1 foul. However, fans did not agree with the call and shared their thoughts in the comments section.

“How is that a flagrant 1? Angel was going in high for the ball. Sabrina put her hand up in defense,” one fan wrote.

“#LeBronesque floppage right there folks…” a comment read.

“Unreal. A protected species,” a user said.

“Lmaooo thats a clear defensive foul,” posted another.

“That’s insane. That’s a foul on Reese but hey

,” one reaction read.

“There needs to be a penalty on faking being fouled…” another fan commented.

It’s unclear what the extent of Reese’s injury is. The good news is that the Dream has secured a top-four seed and will enter the playoffs with a lot of momentum. Thursday’s games will determine the final seedings of all postseason-bound teams.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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