Angel Reese’s Absence Looms Large for Rose in Semifinal Clash
MIAMI — The basketball world was hit with a significant piece of news this week as Angel Reese will be sidelined for the Rose’s crucial semifinal game against the Laces on Sunday. The announcement, made by Unrivaled, has sent ripples through the league, as Reese’s presence on the court has been nothing short of transformative this season.
Reese’s injury occurred during the second quarter of her regular-season finale last Monday. It was a moment that seemed innocuous at first. After securing an offensive rebound, Reese was hit on the wrist, causing her to lose balance. She managed to make a gentle shot off the backboard on the Rose’s next offensive possession but was seen immediately clutching her left wrist afterward.
Throughout the ensuing timeout, Reese was visibly in discomfort, grabbing and flexing her wrist. She attempted to continue playing, starting the third quarter with a wrist strap, but ultimately had to exit the game midway through the period. The injury is particularly concerning as it affects the same wrist that required surgery in September to repair a small crack in her bone, an injury that prematurely ended her rookie season.
In a candid social media post back in September, Reese shared that doctors had placed a very small screw in her wrist to prevent the bone from cracking completely. She expressed relief that the operation was successful, noting, “Long term, I literally could have not played anymore because this is a very hard place to heal because the blood flow is little to none.”
The timing of this injury couldn’t be more poignant, as it comes just hours after Unrivaled announced Reese as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. Her defensive prowess has been a cornerstone for the Rose, who finished the regular season with the best scoring defense in the league, allowing only 65.2 points per game.
Reese’s statistics this season have been nothing short of impressive. She led the league in rebounds, averaging 12.1 per game, and recorded a team-high eight blocks for the Rose. Her ability to dominate the boards and protect the rim has been a key factor in the Rose’s success.
One of the standout moments of Reese’s season was her historic 22-point, 21-rebound game, marking the first 20-20 game in Unrivaled history. Her teammate, Chelsea Gray, praised her 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.”
With Reese out, the Rose will need to look to other players to fill the defensive void. Naz Hamilton and Natisha Hiedeman have been assigned to the team as relief players, and their performance will be crucial in Sunday’s matchup.
- The Rose (8-6) finished second in the league standings.
- They will face the third-place Laces (7-7) in the playoff semifinals.
- The Lunar Owls (13-1) will play the Vinyl (5-9) in the other semifinal matchup.
- The Unrivaled championship game is scheduled for Monday night.
As the Rose prepare for their semifinal clash, the absence of Angel Reese will undoubtedly be felt. Her defensive skills and leadership on the court have been instrumental in the team’s journey to the playoffs. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Rose adapt and whether they can overcome this significant hurdle to advance to the championship game.
Originally Written by: Kendra Andrews
