Angel Reese Achieves Remarkable Milestone Amid Controversy in Latest Game

On Friday night, the Atlanta Dream competed against the Portland Fire, delivering a mixed performance for Angel Reese, a forward for the team. Reese, who is 24 years old, scored 16 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, provided six assists, and made two steals. In doing so, she became the quickest player in WNBA history to surpass 1,500 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 250 assists over her career.

Reese’s performance also saw her make history by achieving her 28th double-double of the season, equalizing the record for the highest number recorded in a single WNBA season. With five games remaining, ESPN Insights noted on X that Reese now holds two of the top three spots for double-doubles in a single season.

Angel Reese recorded her 28th double-double of the season on Friday night, tying her for most in a single WNBA season with 5 more games to play, ESPN Insights posted on X.

However, Reese’s impressive night was marred by an incident leading to bad news. In the fourth quarter, she received her eighth technical foul of the season, which results in an automatic one-game suspension. This suspension means Reese will miss Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Lynx, unless the league overturns the technical foul.

The technical foul occurred with 8:45 remaining in the game when Reese got involved with Fire guard Carla Leite, who she was defending. A video replay showed Reese approaching Leite from behind and shoving her forward as Dream guard Rhyne Howard made a corner three-pointer. Reese then pushed Leite again after they separated.

Following the game, Dream head coach Karl Smesko expressed his intention to appeal the technical foul. He argued that the incident did not appear worthy of a technical foul, suggesting it might be rescinded once reviewed.

I’m sure we’ll appeal it, Dream head coach Karl Smesko told reporters after the loss. From my vantage point, it didn’t look like something that was tech worthy. So, hopefully, it’ll be rescinded.

Smesko mentioned he would discuss the matter with Reese but emphasized her overall conduct throughout the season. He felt her action did not justify a technical and hoped for a reversal after reviewing the footage.

We’ll probably have a conversation (with Reese), but she’s been really good from early in the season, he added.

With only a few games left, Reese aims to continue impacting the league positively while hoping for a resolution that allows her participation in the upcoming match against Minnesota.