Connecticut Sun star Alyssa Thomas was ejected late in the third quarter of Saturday night's 86-82 win at the Chicago Sky after being assessed a flagrant 2 foul on rookie Angel Reese.
Thomas and Reese were fighting for a rebound when Thomas extended his left arm and made contact with Reese's neck, causing Reese to take a hard fall.
After the play was reviewed, Thomas, who placed second in MVP voting last season, was awarded the first flagrant foul 2 of his career and the eighth flagrant foul of any type, tied for second in history. of the league. He came away with nine points, six assists and six rebounds.
Reese, the No. 7 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, finished with 13 points and five rebounds.
“It was a physical game,” Sun center Brionna Jones said. “I think it got a little out of hand at first, which led to that. But we had to overcome it, overcome the adversity, and we did it and came out with the victory.”
Before the game, Reese told reporters how much he admires Thomas, who played at Maryland, where Reese began his college career before transferring to LSU.
Afterwards, Reese said his opinion of Thomas was the same and there were “no hard feelings.” Reese said he did not believe Thomas' absence was deliberate.
“Just being able to go out there and be strong and stand on two feet,” Reese said. “I mean, it was going to be a tough game, and that's what I'm made for. And my teammates supported me throughout the game, so I was prepared for it.”
When asked if he felt Thomas was trying to send a veteran-to-rookie message, Reese said, “It's not just because I'm a rookie. I'm a player. And I'm a basketball player. They don't.” “I don't give a damn if I'm a rookie.”
The Sun's DiJonai Carrington also bristled at that characterization, saying it's more of a narrative for the media.
“I mean, I want them to come to me every day,” Reese said. “I want you all to approach everyone. I mean, you're not supposed to be nice to me. I hope you all know that. You're not supposed to be nice to me or sleep with me because I'm Angel Reese.” or because I'm a newbie. Thank you, AT, for sending me the message, because I got up and kept going and kept pushing.
“AT and I have been great since we were in Maryland, so I know there are no hard feelings and I appreciate him reaching out to me today.”
Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon expressed her opinion on Reese.
“That's who [Reese] is. She loves this game and she accepts every challenge I give her,” Weatherspoon said. “We know she's a rookie, but she's a gamer. She wants to compete. She wants to compete against the best. And when you compete against those who have been here, you know how good they are, all she will do is help you grow.
“She wants it. She loves it. She enjoys it, like every other player on this team.”
The Sun improved to 5-0 with Saturday's decision, while the Sky, which hosted its first home game of the season, fell to 2-2.
With her team overcoming a 10-point first-half deficit and early shooting woes followed by Thomas' absence, Sun coach Stephanie White called the win a “gutsy performance” from her group.
“We have a team built to endure,” White said. “You certainly don't want your MVP to walk off the court, but everyone stepped up. And for us to be successful, that's what it takes.”
