Angel Reese Makes WNBA History but Faces Suspension

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese displayed both triumph and challenge in Friday’s game against the Portland Fire. At 24, Reese scored 16 points, secured 16 rebounds, provided six assists, and made two steals. She achieved a historic milestone, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to accumulate 1,500 or more points, 1,000 or more rebounds, and 250 or more assists in her career.

Reese’s performance also marked a significant moment in WNBA history. According to ESPN Insights, “Angel Reese recorded her 28th double-double of the season on Friday night, tying her for the most in a single WNBA season with five more games to play.” Reese holds two of the top three all-time records for most double-doubles in a single season.

Reese now has 2 of the 3 highest double-double totals all-time in a single WNBA season.

However, Reese’s successful night on the court came with a setback. During the fourth quarter, she received her eighth technical foul of the season. This foul automatically suspends her for one game, which means she might miss the upcoming match against the Minnesota Lynx unless the league rescinds the technical foul.

The incident occurred with 8:45 left in the game. Reese became entangled with Portland’s Carla Leite while defending her. Replays showed Reese pushing Leite from behind as her teammate Rhyne Howard scored a three-pointer. Reese pushed Leite again as they separated.

Dream head coach Karl Smesko expressed optimism about appealing the technical foul. “I’m sure we’ll appeal it,” he told reporters. “From my angle, it didn’t look like something deserving of a technical. Hopefully, it’ll be rescinded, but I haven’t reviewed the film yet.” Smesko emphasized no issue with Reese’s behavior, doubting the incident warranted the technical foul.

We’ll probably have a conversation with Reese, but she’s been good from early in the season,” he added. “She’s managed not to get technicals undeservedly. She was doing a great job. What I saw didn’t look like a technical, maybe a foul. Hopefully, this will be rescinded, and we’ll have Angel’s services for the Minnesota game.