Tensions boiled over during a heated WNBA preseason matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday night, as Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese became involved in a physical altercation with her former South Carolina Gamecocks teammate, Atlanta Dream center Kamilla Cardoso.
The incident occurred in the third quarter with the Sky leading by six points. Reese, known for her fiery competitiveness and rebounding dominance, drove aggressively toward the basket and collided with Cardoso under the rim. What started as a routine battle for position quickly escalated when Reese appeared to shove Cardoso after a whistle was blown. Cardoso responded by pushing back, leading to a brief but intense confrontation that required officials and teammates from both sides to intervene.
Eyewitnesses described the exchange as “highly emotional,” with both players exchanging heated words before being separated. Reese received a technical foul, while Cardoso was assessed a personal foul. Neither player was ejected, but the altercation visibly rattled both benches.
Sources close to the situation suggest the friction may stem from unresolved feelings from their college days at South Carolina, where the duo helped lead the Gamecocks to a national championship in 2024. While they were once close teammates, whispers of competitive jealousy and differing playing styles reportedly created underlying tension once they entered the professional ranks.
Reese, who has quickly become one of the league’s most polarizing figures since entering the WNBA, posted a cryptic message on social media shortly after the game: “Real ones know. Energy never lies.” Cardoso, on the other hand, remained composed in post-game comments, saying only, “It’s basketball. We compete hard. That’s it.”
Sky head coach Tyler Marsh downplayed the event, calling it “just preseason physicality,” while Atlanta’s coaching staff expressed hope that the incident wouldn’t carry over into the regular season.
Fans on social media were divided, with some praising Reese’s passion and others criticizing her for turning a preseason game into a personal battle. The WNBA has yet to announce any further disciplinary action.
This altercation adds another chapter to Reese’s headline-making rookie and sophomore campaigns, where her on-court intensity has drawn both admiration and scrutiny. As the preseason continues, all eyes will be on whether this former college connection can remain professional when their teams meet again in the regular season.