WNBA Reverses Angel Reese’s Suspension Ahead of Dream vs Lynx
The Dream's Angel Reese faced an automatic suspension, but a WNBA review changed her status for Atlanta's next game.
The Atlanta Dream faced the Portland Fire on Friday night, with Angel Reese accumulating her eighth technical foul of the WNBA season, which usually results in a one-game suspension and a $1,500 fine, assuming it stands. However, on Saturday morning, the league reversed the technical, meaning Reese will not receive the fine or sit out for the team's upcoming game against the Minnesota Lynx.
The technical foul was called during the fourth quarter of the 101-83 loss to Portland. As the Dream trailed, Reese engaged in a heated exchange with Portland's Carla Leite for a rebound. Leite attempted to box out Reese, leading to the two players clashing. The Dream's subsequent shot went in, and Leite reacted to Reese's contact behind her.
Reese pushed Leite away, then began backing up court defensively, ultimately receiving the technical foul. After the game, Dream head coach Karl Smesko claimed from his perspective that the incident didn't warrant a technical foul, and the team planned to appeal. Reese became the second WNBA player this season to have a potential eighth technical foul rescinded, joining Caitlin Clark, who was similarly affected earlier in the season.
Clark drew a technical foul after inadvertently bumping into a game official while running out of bounds and receiving the same penalty. Reese and Clark are currently tied with Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury with seven technical fouls apiece, leading the league this season. Both Reese and Clark remain available for their respective teams' crucial games.
The Dream are currently 25-14, fifth in the standings, just a half-game behind the Fever for fourth place and 1.5 games behind the Las Vegas Aces for third. Reese, in her third season with the Dream, is averaging 16.1 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. The Dream, having already secured a playoff spot, will benefit from Reese's availability as they seek to make a significant impact against the top-ranked Minnesota Lynx on Sunday.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
