Angel Reese Loses Control After Hair Pull — Triple-Double Overshadowed in Sky Win as HVL Steals the Spotlight

Angel Reese made WNBA history Sunday night — but it wasn’t just her triple-double that had fans talking.

In the Chicago Sky’s gritty 88–81 win over the Atlanta Dream, Reese tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists — the first triple-double of her young career and one of the few by a rookie in league history. But instead of being celebrated for her performance, Reese found herself at the center of controversy after a heated third-quarter altercation.

It all unfolded midway through the third, when Reese drove hard to the basket and got tangled up with Dream veteran Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. As the two jostled for position, video footage clearly showed Parker-Tyus grabbing a fistful of Reese’s long braids — an act that sent the Sky forward into a fury.

Reese immediately turned around, shouted at her opponent, and had to be held back by teammates and assistant coaches. The referees stepped in quickly, assessing technical fouls to both players, but the damage was done: the game had taken on an emotional edge.

“I don’t play about my hair. I don’t play about my respect either,” Reese said after the game, still clearly fired up. “You can be tough — we’re all tough out there — but pulling hair? That’s not toughness. That’s disrespect.”

Though Reese didn’t throw punches, her passionate reaction — and the moment’s symbolism — ignited a firestorm online. Social media exploded with debate, with many defending Reese and condemning Parker-Tyus for what they saw as a personal and racially insensitive act. Others questioned whether Reese let her emotions get the better of her, nearly jeopardizing a crucial win for the team.

Former MVP Candace Parker weighed in during the postgame show, offering a balanced take:

“You don’t touch a Black woman’s hair. Period. It’s not just about basketball — it’s cultural. Angel reacted like any of us would. But she’ll also learn how to use that fire to lead her team without crossing the line.”

Lost in the drama, however, was the electric performance of Reese’s teammate, Hailey Van Lith. Known for her swagger and shot-making, HVL exploded for 22 points and 6 assists off the bench, including a clutch three-pointer late in the fourth that helped the Sky pull away.

“She’s cold,” Reese said of Van Lith. “We’ve been grinding together since college. When I lost my cool, she kept us steady. That’s what teammates do.”

The Sky’s win moves them to 6–5 on the season, climbing the Eastern Conference standings. More importantly, it showcased the team’s depth, resilience — and the undeniable impact of their rookie duo.

Despite the controversy, Reese’s triple-double places her in elite company. She becomes only the third rookie in WNBA history to achieve the feat, and her overall performance underscored just how much she’s grown in just a few weeks.

Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon praised her star forward:

“She’s got the heart of a champion. She’ll learn how to channel that passion, but I’ll take a player who cares too much over one who doesn’t care at all.”

The WNBA has not announced any further disciplinary action related to the incident, though league officials are reportedly reviewing the footage. For now, Reese says her focus remains on winning.

“We got the dub. That’s what matters,” she said. “Let them talk. I’m gonna keep hooping.”

With the spotlight brighter than ever, and emotions running high, Angel Reese and the Sky have made one thing clear: they’re not backing down from anyone — on or off the court.