WNBA rookie sensation Angel Reese recently broke the news of her season-ending injury on social media. In a detailed video posted to her TikTok account late Sunday night, Reese shared the full extent of the injury—a small crack in her wrist bone—which will require surgery to prevent further damage. She is set to undergo the procedure on Tuesday and provided a heartfelt and transparent explanation of her condition, her decision to have surgery, and how she plans to manage her recovery.
The Injury Breakdown and Tough Decision on Surgery
During the TikTok video, Angel Reese recounted how the injury occurred. She described a specific moment during a recent game where she scored an “and-1” play, a term used in basketball when a player makes a basket while being fouled, giving them an additional free throw opportunity. Reese explained that as she fell backward after the play, she landed awkwardly on her hand, causing the injury to her wrist.
“I fell on my hand when I got the and-1, and when I fell back, I landed on my hand,” she shared in the video, pointing to the injury area on her right wrist, which was already wrapped in a black soft cast. “It’s a small crack in my bone. The doctors told me I could either choose to get surgery or avoid it, but the risks of not having the surgery were far too great.”
Doctors presented Reese with two options, both with significant consequences. One option was to avoid surgery, but this came with high risks, including the possibility of developing arthritis at a very young age. “The risk of not having surgery could lead to arthritis at just 22 years old, which wasn’t an option,” Reese explained. “The bone could crack and shatter completely. Right now, it’s like a hairline fracture, but they’re going to put a small screw in it to stabilize the bone and prevent further damage.”
Reese’s decision to undergo surgery was driven by the long-term risks of avoiding it. She expressed concern that without the procedure, the fracture could worsen over time, potentially ending her playing career prematurely. “I wasn’t going to let it get any worse,” she emphasized, adding that the blood flow to the affected area is minimal, making it a slow and difficult place to heal without medical intervention.
What’s Next: A Six-Week Recovery Process
Following her surgery, Reese will need to wear a hard cast for four weeks, followed by a soft cast for an additional two weeks. This six-week recovery timeline means she will miss the rest of the WNBA season, a devastating blow for both the player and her team.
“I’ll be in a hard cast for four weeks and then a soft cast for two,” Reese said while describing her recovery plan. She noted that the location of the injury—her right wrist—is a particularly tough area to heal due to poor blood flow. “This area has very little blood flow, so it’s a tough place to heal. Long-term, not having the surgery could’ve meant I might not have been able to play again.”
Although the injury marks the end of her rookie season, Reese is staying positive and focused on her recovery. She is determined to do everything within her power to return to full health as quickly as possible.
A Rookie Season to Remember: Reese Sets Historic Records
Before her unfortunate injury, Angel Reese was having an incredible rookie season in the WNBA, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about players in the league. Drafted as the No. 7 overall pick, she made an immediate impact, particularly on the defensive end, where she established herself as a dominant rebounder.
Reese finished the season averaging 13.6 points per game and an astonishing 13.1 rebounds per game, setting the highest rebound average in WNBA history. Her rebounding prowess earned her a place in the record books, and she also set the rookie record for most double-doubles in a season, achieving 26 in total. A double-double refers to a game in which a player records double-digit statistics in two categories, typically points and rebounds or assists.
Her final game of the season, a 92-78 win over the Los Angeles Sparks, was marked by yet another impressive performance. Reese notched her 26th double-double in that game, continuing her incredible form right up until the injury. Despite the season-ending setback, her historic achievements will remain a key highlight of the WNBA season.
The Reese-Clark Rivalry: A Boost for the WNBA
Angel Reese and fellow rookie Caitlin Clark have been intertwined in the media and fan conversations since their memorable showdown in the 2022 NCAA Championship game. In that game, Reese’s LSU squad emerged victorious over Clark’s Iowa team, marking the beginning of an intense rivalry between the two young stars. Their rivalry has continued into the WNBA, where both players have been credited with increasing television ratings, attendance at games, and merchandise sales.
The Reese-Clark rivalry has injected fresh excitement into the league, particularly as both players have continued to perform at a high level. With Reese sidelined for the remainder of the season, fans and fellow players are undoubtedly feeling the impact of her absence.
Caitlin Clark expressed her disappointment upon hearing the news of Reese’s injury. “It’s definitely sad when you see someone go down, especially someone you came into the league with,” Clark said. “She’s had a historic year and has done some incredible things. I thought she came into the league and did what she does best—rebounding, defending, and hustling. It’s really devastating to see her season end like this.”
Staying Active During Recovery: Reese’s Off-Court Plans
Despite her injury, Reese has no plans to take a backseat during her recovery period. In the same video where she shared the details of her injury, she also laid out her plans for staying active and involved with the team, as well as her other off-court interests.
“During these six weeks, I’ll still be lifting, running, and conditioning. I’ll also work on shooting and dribbling with my off-hand and focus on my nutrition,” Reese said, showcasing her commitment to staying in peak physical condition even while sidelined. “I’ll be supporting my teammates from the bench, cheering them on, and staying involved in any way I can.”
Beyond basketball, Reese plans to continue her modeling career and podcasting during her recovery. “I’ll still be modeling, podcasting, being a baddie, and supporting my teammates from the bench,” she said with a smile. Reese’s positive outlook and sense of humor were on full display, as she reassured fans that she would remain engaged with her various off-court ventures.
Clearing Up Social Media Rumors
Reese also took the opportunity to address and shut down rumors that had been circulating on social media regarding her personal life. Specifically, there had been speculation that she might be pregnant, a rumor she quickly denied.
“Let’s be clear—I’m not pregnant,” Reese said firmly. “I don’t have a man, I don’t have a ring, and I’m 22 with no kids. I’m not planning on having kids anytime soon, so I just want y’all to know that. I know social media loves to spread rumors, but this one’s not true.”
Chicago Sky’s Playoff Push Without Reese
Reese’s injury comes at a critical time for the Chicago Sky, who are currently clinging to the final playoff spot in the WNBA standings. The Sky holds a one-game lead over the Atlanta Dream and faces a crucial matchup against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday. With Reese sidelined, the Sky will need to rally as a team to secure their playoff position and make a deep postseason run.
Despite her absence, Reese expressed confidence in her team’s ability to make the playoffs. “I still believe we’re going to make the playoffs,” she said. “I’ll be supporting my team from the bench and doing everything I can to help them succeed.”
Reese’s presence on the court will be sorely missed, but her leadership and support from the sidelines could prove to be a valuable asset as the Sky navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
A Tough Setback, But Reese is Ready to Bounce Back
While Angel Reese’s rookie season may have come to an abrupt end due to her wrist injury, her impact on the WNBA this year has been undeniable. From setting records to boosting the league’s popularity, Reese has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with on and off the court. Although the injury is a tough setback, her determination to recover, stay active, and support her teammates highlights her resilience and strong work ethic.
As Reese prepares for surgery and begins her six-week recovery process, fans can rest assured that the young star is already focused on making a full comeback. Her rookie season may be over, but Angel Reese’s journey in the WNBA is far from finished.
The Information is Collected from ESPN and Yahoo.
