Angel Reese’s absence from the Rose’s Unrivaled semifinal game against the Laces this Sunday marks a significant blow to her team’s playoff hopes.
The star player, named Defensive Player of the Year, suffered a hand injury during the regular season finale against the Vinyl, and now, the Rose will have to compete without her in this crucial match.
A painful setback
Reese sustained the injury in the second quarter of the game last Monday. While securing an offensive rebound, Reese was hit on her left wrist, which caused her to lose balance. After making a shot off the backboard, she immediately grabbed her wrist and continued to flex and hold it during a timeout. Although Reese tried to continue playing, she was eventually removed from the game midway through the third quarter.
This is not the first time Reese has dealt with wrist issues. In September, she had surgery on the same wrist to repair a small crack in the bone. The injury forced her to miss the remainder of her rookie season. She had a small screw inserted to prevent further damage, but the recovery process has been difficult due to the limited blood flow in that area.
I literally could have not played anymore because this is a very hard place to heal,” Reese had shared on social media in September. “The operation was successful, but this is a very hard place to heal.
Defensive force out of the lineup
Despite the injury, Reese has been a dominant force on the court this season. She led the league in rebounds, averaging 12.1 per game, and recorded eight blocks. Her defensive prowess was integral to the Rose’s top-ranked defense, which allowed only 65.2 points per game. In addition to her defense, Reese posted impressive offensive numbers, including a remarkable 22-point, 21-rebound game-the first 20-20 performance in Unrivaled history.
Teammate Chelsea Gray spoke highly of Reese’s tenacity, saying, “Double-double machine. She’s somebody who has a knack for rebounding and just goes after it. It’s really hard to do that consistently. It’s a lot on your body. It’s a mindset that you have to have, and it’s one she’s had this whole time.”
The Rose’s playoff push without Reese
With Reese unavailable for the semifinal game, the Rose will need to rely on their other players to fill the defensive gap. Relief players Naz Hamilton and Natisha Hiedeman have been added to the roster to help take on additional responsibilities.
The Rose (8-6) finished second in the league and will face off against the third-place Laces (7-7) in what is now a highly anticipated playoff matchup. With Reese out of the lineup, all eyes will be on the remaining players to see if they can push the team forward to the championship game. The stakes are higher than ever, and Reese’s injury has fans wondering whether this season could be cut short for the talented star.
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