Tensions flared during Saturday’s matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Connecticut Sun when a physical altercation involving rookie forward Angel Reese erupted into a heated exchange. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Sun guard Bria Hartley appeared to pull Reese’s hair while both players battled for a rebound. The moment sparked an intense reaction from Reese and led to a brief confrontation involving several players on the court.
Following the altercation, officials assessed a common foul to Hartley and issued technical fouls to both Reese and Sun forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa. Veteran center Tina Charles also intervened vocally during the exchange, though she was not penalized. The referees’ decision drew criticism from some Sky fans and analysts, who argued the contact warranted a more severe penalty, such as a flagrant foul (Sports Illustrated).
Despite the disruption, Angel Reese responded on the court with focus and intensity. She notched her first career triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists—helping lead the Sky to a 78–66 victory over the Sun. Reese’s composure and competitive edge following the incident underscored her growing presence in the league and solidified her as a key contributor for Chicago (Sports Illustrated).
The moment not only highlighted the physical nature of the game but also served as a testament to Reese’s resilience and leadership in a high-pressure environment.
