Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese was cleared to return to play after taking a hit to the face during a game against the New York Liberty on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Although medical staff cleared her, Atlanta coach Karl Smesko chose to keep Reese out for the second half.
The incident occurred with 5.6 seconds remaining in the second quarter as Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu attempted to drive past Reese. While Reese was attempting to steal the ball, Ionescu’s arm made contact with Reese’s face. Reese went to the locker room with a staff member. Officials reviewed the play and assessed Ionescu a Flagrant 1 foul.
Reese returned to the court shortly after the hit to shoot two free throws, which she made before returning to the locker room for the start of the third quarter. She rejoined her teammates on the bench with 6:19 remaining in the third quarter but did not re-enter the game. Reese finished with six points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals in approximately 17 minutes of play.
The 83-65 victory over New York secured the No. 4 seed in the WNBA playoffs for Atlanta. This positioning grants the team home-court advantage for the opening round.
Atlanta is scheduled to host Game 1 of the first round on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The Dream will face either the Indiana Fever or the Washington Mystics. No further medical updates have been issued regarding Reese’s status for the postseason opener.