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via Imago

via Imago

The WNBA has not been too kind to former LSU star Angel Reese. Ever since she arrived in the league, she has been on the receiving end of some hard and unnecessary fouls courtesy of the veteran players. Moreover, her team the Chicago Sky has won only three of their first eight games so far. And tonight, Reese was on the receiving end of a double technical foul against the NY Liberty that even got the rookie assurances from fellow Chicago star Lonzo Ball. The series of events began when Reese had some words for the official after she picked up her 5th personal foul in the closing minutes. And it looked like the official was having none of it.

The ref quickly penalized her with a technical foul. But in a matter of seconds, Reese picked up her 2nd technical after she was seen waving off the official while walking away, eventually leading to her ejection! Bulls star Lonzo Ball, who was in attendance, to witness it live was not happy with the referee’s “weak” decision and offered to pay Angel’s fine in case she got any for chirping at the official, “Ref that threw out @Reese10Angel is weak btw… You know who you are (Keep ya money Angel I got you)”. Humbled by the gesture, the rook had a quick response.

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Reese responded to Lonzo’s offer with gratitude, “Appreciate you gang!” While she’s only been in the league for a few games, the youngster has already been fined once after she refused to talk to the media following last week’s loss to the Indiana Fever. That decision cost her $1000 while her team had to bear a $5000 loss, as they failed to ensure that their players followed the media rules. With today’s controversial ejection, Reese’s night ended early, and she finished with a 13-point double-double.

It was later revealed that Reese would indeed get fined a total of $400 for her two techs. After the game, lead official Maj Forsberg revealed that Reese’s first tech was for “disrespectfully addressing” the official and the second was for waving him off. Reportedly without any prior warnings all night, the official decided to eject Reese for the back-to-back incidents.

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Lonzo Ball praises Breanna Stewart despite supporting Angel Reese’s team

Even though it is unclear what Reese said to the referee that led to her ejection, her opponent for the night Sabrina Ionescu instantly questioned the official. “She got two techs just for saying that’s bulls**t?” Nevertheless, the decision was final, and the Sky suffered because of it. Seeing the opening, the New York Liberty dominated Chicago and won the game 88-75. Forward, Breanna Stewart led the charge with her 33-point and 14-rebound performance that helped her team get the win on the road.

Even Lonzo, who was there to support the home team, couldn’t resist singing praises for the star after seeing her dominance. He tweeted, “First WNBA game ever and @breannastewart IS THAT!! #Elite”. Yes, Lonzo still pledged allegiance to the Chicago Sky but was taken aback by watching Stewart perform live even though he knew how good of a player she was. Looking at how impressed he was at his first-ever WNBA game, there is a chance we might see him making more appearances to witness the rise of the WNBA.

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