Angel Reese Sparks Outrage With “Dirtiest Move of the Season” Against Sun Defender

The Chicago Sky’s season hit another low point on Saturday night—not just because of another loss, but because of a controversial moment involving their young star, Angel Reese.

In a heated 94-84 defeat to the Connecticut Sun, frustration boiled over for the Sky. Head coach Tyler Marsh was ejected after nearly throwing a punch at a referee while arguing a no-call in the second quarter. But the most shocking moment came when cameras caught Reese committing what many are calling the “dirtiest move of the season.”

The Incident

During a possession where Sun guard Leïla Lacan was pressuring her defensively, Reese appeared to lash out in frustration. She reached toward Lacan’s face and scratched her eye, forcing the Sun player to receive immediate attention from a team trainer.

The unsportsmanlike act drew heavy criticism online, with many fans and analysts insisting that a fine—or even a suspension—should be inevitable. Video of the incident quickly circulated, sparking outrage across social media.

Reese’s Performance Amid Controversy

The controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a solid individual performance for Reese. Returning from a back injury that sidelined her for seven games earlier this month, the All-Star forward notched yet another double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

However, her effort went to waste as the Sky fell to 9-27 on the season, all but eliminating their slim playoff hopes. Chicago’s record without Reese during her absence was a dismal 1-6, further underscoring how vital she is to the team’s future.

A Bright Spot in a Dark Season

Despite the Sky’s struggles, Reese’s growth this season has been undeniable. According to ESPN, she is averaging 14.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game across 25 contests. Even more impressive is her efficiency: shooting 46.2 percent from the field, a major leap forward from her rookie season’s 39.1 percent.

For all the negatives surrounding the team, Reese has solidified herself as the franchise cornerstone—someone the Sky can confidently build around for years to come.

The Fallout

Still, this latest incident threatens to overshadow her progress. The WNBA is expected to review the footage, and disciplinary action could follow. For a player who has worked hard to elevate her game and image, being branded with the label of “dirty play” could have lasting consequences.

As the Sky limp toward the finish line of another lost season, Reese finds herself at the center of a storm—simultaneously the hope for the future and the source of controversy in the present.

Whether this moment defines her reputation moving forward may depend on how she responds to the backlash.