Chicago Sky star Angel Reese played like a rookie in Saturday night’s win over the Connecticut Sun, but was sent off as a veteran WNBA player.
Sun guard Alyssa Thomas was ejected early in the third quarter of Connecticut’s 86-82 win after hitting Reese with a close line kick following a struggle for a rebound.
While battling for the rebound, Thomas reached his arm and hand out to wrap around Reese’s neck, causing Reese to fall hard to the ground.
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The Sky’s Angel Reese plays defense against the Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas at Wintrust Arena on May 25, 2024 in Chicago. (Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
After the officials reviewed the call, Thomas was found to have committed his first career flagrant foul 2 and was automatically ejected.
After the game, Reese, who finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes on the court, wasn’t worried about what happened to Thomas.
Before beginning her WNBA career, she said she wanted to “get knocked down” and learn from adversity, and while she may not have meant it literally, that’s exactly how she viewed the situation.
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“It’s not just because I’m a rookie. I’m a player. I’m a basketball player. They don’t care that I’m a rookie,” Reese told The Athletic about the incident. “I mean, I want them coming at me every day. I want them coming at everybody.”
Reese isn’t looking for special treatment because she’s a rookie, but rather pressure, physical attack and aggression from her opponents because she’s a basketball player who wants to win just like everyone else.
The Sky’s Angel Reese appears during a game against the Connecticut Sun on May 25, 2024 in Chicago. (Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
“They shouldn’t go easy on me,” Reese continued, “and I hope everybody knows that. They shouldn’t go easy on me and they shouldn’t give in just because I’m Angel Reese or because I’m the new kid on the block. Like, AT, thank you for sending me that message because I stood up and I kept going and I kept pushing. Me and AT were good friends back in Maryland so I know there’s no grudges. I’m thankful that she challenges me today and every day.”
As Reese said, it brings back memories of when she and Thomas lived in College Park, Maryland., Before the Skye’s game against the Sun, she said she looked up to Thomas, who plays for the Terrapins.
“I know she probably wouldn’t have done that to me on purpose, but if I can just go out there and be strong and stand firm, it’s going to be a tough match. I’m born for this.”
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese is averaging 12.3 points and 7.8 rebounds during the 2024 season. (Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Reese has adapted well to the WNBA, averaging 12.3 points and 7.8 rebounds in the 2024 season.
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