NEW YORK (AP) — Angel Reese was fine after taking a shot to the face in the Atlanta Dream's 83-65 win over the New York Liberty on Wednesday night.

Atlanta coach Karl Smesko said after the game that Reese could have gone back in the game if she had been needed.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Sign in to hide this notification.

“She was cleared, but we made a decision that it would be smart for her to sit out the second half,” he said.

With 5.6 seconds left in the second quarter, Reese drew an offensive foul on Sabrina Ionescu. The Liberty guard's arm hit Reese in the face. The officials reviewed the play and upgraded it to a flagrant 1 foul.

Article continues after sponsor message

Reese, who had gone back to the locker room, came out and made the two free throws. She then went back to the locker room. Atlanta led 41-26 at the half. Reese had six points and six rebounds in 17 minutes.

She wasn't on the bench at the start of the second half, but came back to the bench with 6:19 left in the third quarter.

___

See AP’s full WNBA coverage here

 

More like this:

Rivals Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark having 'fun' playing together for US and not against each other
Sep 9, 2026
US women show some vulnerability ahead of LA Games capturing 5th straight World Cup basketball title
Sep 14, 2026
US women storm past Hungary 108-56 to reach FIBA World Cup semifinals
Sep 10, 2026
Angel Reese has 30 points and 10 rebounds to help the Dream rout the Sun 103-59
Sep 17, 2026
Breanna Stewart’s 9-year no-tech streak snapped in the Liberty’s loss to Atlanta
2 days ago