Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese put in ‘choke slam’ by Alyssa Thomas as Connecticut Sun forward ejected in WNBA clash

CHICAGO Sky rookie Angel Reese experienced a welcome-to-the-WNBA moment in Saturday’s clash against the Connecticut Sun.

The former Louisiana State University star was fouled hard by Sun forward Alyssa Thomas in the second half.

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Chicago Sky star Angel Reese was grabbed by her neck in a brutal foul by Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas on Saturday nightCredit: CBS Sports

Thomas (right) was ejected for her foul on Reese (left)Credit: Getty Images/Jeff Haynes/NBAE
The controversial play took place after Sky’s Dana Evans failed to score on a drive into the paint late in the third quarter.

Reese, 22, tried to grab an offensive board after her teammate’s miss.

But Thomas, 32, wrapped her arms around the 6-foot-3 forward’s neck before sending her tumbling to the ground.

Reese took a hard fall and, seemingly in pain, immediately grabbed the back of her head.

The Sun’s four-time All-Star got ejected for her actions.

And WNBA fans slammed Thomas for the dangerous play.

“Really??? A choke slam?” one fan posted on X.

“I’m a CT fan but that was CRAZY,” another added.

“This is a disgusting f**ing play. So damn dangerous,” a third said.

“Enemy for life OK?” one wrote.

Michael Jordan receives WNBA invite from Angel Reese with Chicago Sky star saying ‘that’ll be the first time!’
After the foul, Reese knocked down both of her free throws before being subbed out of the game.

But the No. 7 overall WNBA pick returned to the court in the fourth quarter.

Still, the Sky ended up taking an 86-82 loss, falling to 2-2 on the season.

Reese finished the night with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

How the WNBA works

THE 2024 WNBA season features 12 teams with the regular-season running from May 14 to September 9.

Each team plays 40 regular-season games – four against five teams from the same conference and two teams from the other conference, and three games against the remaining four teams.

The top eight teams in the league standings qualify for the playoffs – regardless of what conference they’re in.

The playoffs will use a best-of-three format in the first round while the semifinals and WNBA Finals are best of five.

This season also includes a month-long break for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Las Vegas Aces are defending back-to-back WNBA champions.

She went 4-for-9 (44.4%) from the field in 33 minutes on the court.

The ex-LSU star averages 12.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in her rookie season.

Meanwhile, Reese announced a new major career venture earlier this week.

The Sky forward joined the ownership group of the professional women’s soccer team DC Power Football Club.

“I want to help grow women’s sports and elevate female athletes across the board,” Reese said of her investment.

“We’re taking over, and I’m honored to be able to support Power FC and invest in women’s soccer in the DMV community.”