Angel Reese will not miss the Chicago Sky's next game after the WNBA rescinded her eighth technical foul of the season. The foul was assessed during Friday night's 101-83 loss to the Portland Fire.
Reese received the technical foul with 8:45 remaining in the fourth quarter while the Sky trailed 76-61. The infraction occurred when Reese and Portland guard Carla Leite became entangled while battling for a rebound. Officials penalized Reese, bringing her season total to eight, which would have triggered an automatic one-game suspension. However, the league reviewed the play and overturned the call, leaving Reese with seven technical fouls and eligible to play.
"Yeah, I'm sure that we'll appeal it," Sky head coach Karl Smesko stated after the game, prior to the league's decision. "From my vantage point, it didn’t look like something that was tech-worthy, so hopefully it’ll be rescinded."
This incident draws a parallel to a similar situation involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. Clark also received her eighth technical foul on August 8 during the Fever's victory over the Chicago Sky. The WNBA rescinded that call hours later after review, keeping her at seven technicals.
Reese has been nearing the disciplinary threshold for several weeks, having received her seventh technical foul on July 9 against the Seattle Storm.
In Friday's loss, Reese recorded 16 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Rhyne Howard led the Sky with 26 points, including six three-pointers. For the Fire, Carla Leite scored 26 points and dished out six assists, while Emily Engstler added a career-high 25 points. The loss dropped the Sky to 25-14 on the season, causing them to lose a half-game edge over the Fever for the No. 4 seed in the standings. The Fire improved their record to 16-23 with the win.
