Chicago Sky rookie forward Angel Reese was ejected in the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s game against the New York Liberty after receiving a second technical foul for disrespectfully addressing an official and waving her hand in dismissal. Reese had 13 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, and her first career block in 24 minutes on the court before being ejected. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon and the rest of the team were left confused by the situation, with Weatherspoon stating that she did not receive an explanation for the ejection.
Lead official Maj Forsberg explained after the game that Reese received the technical fouls for her actions towards the referee. Sky star Marina Mabrey emphasized the importance of composure for the team, especially for the younger players like Reese, in dealing with referees and their calls. Reese had previously been fined for skipping a postgame interview with reporters after a controversial game against the Indiana Fever. NBA player Lonzo Ball offered to pay Reese’s fine for the ejection, which Reese appreciated and acknowledged on social media.
The game started with the Liberty taking a commanding lead with a 21-6 run, but the Sky managed to close the gap and were within one point at halftime. However, New York extended their lead with a 15-2 run in the second half. Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 33 points and 14 rebounds in the 88-75 victory over the Sky. The nature of Reese’s ejection and the impact it had on the team’s performance in the game will likely be a point of reflection and discussion for the Sky moving forward.
Weatherspoon expressed her frustration at not receiving a clear explanation for Reese’s ejection, highlighting the confusion and disappointment felt by the team. Reese’s actions and subsequent ejection serve as a learning opportunity for the young player and the team as a whole regarding the importance of maintaining composure and respect towards officials on the court. The support and encouragement from NBA player Lonzo Ball in offering to pay Reese’s fine demonstrates the sense of camaraderie and unity among athletes in different leagues.
Despite Reese’s ejection, the Chicago Sky showed resilience in attempting to mount a comeback against the New York Liberty, highlighting their determination and competitive spirit. The performance of Breanna Stewart for the Liberty further emphasized the challenges faced by the Sky in containing such a talented opponent. Moving forward, the Sky will need to regroup and focus on improving their consistency and execution to avoid similar situations and setbacks in future games. The incident involving Reese’s ejection serves as a reminder of the mental and emotional aspects of the game that players must manage effectively to succeed at the highest levels of professional basketball.
