In a dramatic turn of events during Thursday’s WNBA showdown between the Dallas Wings and the Atlanta Dream, rookie standout Angel Reese was ejected after making contact with the face of star guard Paige Bueckers. The incident occurred late in the third quarter of what had been a fiercely competitive game, leaving the crowd at the College Park Center stunned.
The sequence began with Bueckers weaving through the lane, looking to create space for a jumpshot. Reese, defending aggressively, closed out hard and swung her arm, inadvertently—or not, according to some—catching Bueckers squarely across the nose and mouth area. The officials immediately blew the whistle, reviewed the play, and assessed a Flagrant Foul 2, which carries an automatic ejection.
Bueckers crumpled to the floor, clutching her face, while trainers rushed to her side. She was able to walk off the court under her own power but did not return to the game. Reese, visibly frustrated, left the floor to a mix of boos and cheers, while the Wings were forced to finish the game without their leading rebounder.
The ejection proved pivotal. The Wings, already trailing by single digits, saw their deficit swell to double figures in the fourth quarter. Fans and analysts alike debated the severity of the call, with some arguing Reese’s intent was questionable, while others insisted the contact was reckless and dangerous.
Post-game, Reese declined comment, but head coach Latricia Trammell defended her player, stating, “Angel plays hard, and sometimes emotions get high. But I trust the officials’ decision.”
As the league reviews the incident, the rivalry between these two young stars appears ready to intensify. The Wings ultimately fell 88-76, but the fallout from this hit is just beginning.