Angel Reese Named Unrivaled Defensive Player of the Year, Injury Clouds Playoff Future

MEDLEY, Fla. – Rising women’s basketball sensation Angel Reese capped off a remarkable inaugural season in the Unrivaled league by being named the Unrivaled Defensive Player of the Year on Saturday. The announcement, however, was bittersweet, as the league simultaneously revealed that Reese would be sidelined for Sunday’s crucial semifinal playoff game due to a re-aggravated left-hand injury.

The injury, which previously required surgery and hampered her rookie season in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky, resurfaced during the Rose team’s regular-season finale the previous Monday. The severity of the injury remains undisclosed, leaving her availability for the Unrivaled championship game on Monday, should the Rose advance, uncertain.

The Unrivaled playoffs are set to tip off Sunday night with a pair of high-stakes semifinal matchups beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. The No. 2 seeded Rose, spearheaded by Reese’s stellar performance throughout the season, will face off against the No. 3 Laces in the first game. The second semifinal pits the No. 4 Vinyl against the top-seeded Lunar Owls. The winners of these contests will advance to the championship showdown, scheduled for Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Basketball enthusiasts can catch all the Unrivaled postseason action live on TNT and truTV via cable television, with streaming options available on Max.

Saturday’s news casts a shadow over what could potentially be the end of Reese’s impressive run in the league. The inaugural Unrivaled season has garnered significant attention and traction as a valuable offseason option for WNBA players, providing a platform for competition and skill development during the WNBA off-season.

Expressing her gratitude and reflecting on her journey, Reese took to social media following the Defensive Player of the Year announcement, stating, "God, thank you for getting me through the highs & lows! Be where your feet are & allow yourself growth!"

Reese’s impact on the Unrivaled league this season has been undeniable. She dominated the boards, leading the league in rebounding with an impressive average of 12.2 rebounds per game. Beyond her individual statistics, Reese anchored the Rose club’s defense, which proved to be the stingiest in the league, holding opponents to a league-low 65.2 points per game. Her defensive prowess and overall contributions to the Rose’s success earned her the coveted Defensive Player of the Year title. Reese secured the honor through a comprehensive voting process that considered the weighted votes from Unrivaled players and coaches, as well as input from a distinguished national panel comprised of sportswriters and broadcasters.

Adding to her accolades, Reese was also recognized for her all-around performance by being named to the All-Unrivaled second team earlier in the week.

A signature moment in Reese’s Unrivaled season came on February 21st, when she delivered a historic performance against the Lunar Owls, recording the first 20-20 game in league history. She scored 22 points and pulled down an astounding 21 rebounds in that game. The Lunar Owls had come into that game undefeated and Reese lead the Rose to the Owl’s only loss of the season.

Throughout the season, Reese consistently showcased her scoring ability, averaging 13.1 points per game. Her exceptional rebounding and scoring numbers positioned her as one of only four Unrivaled players to average a double-double this season. Joining her in this elite group were fellow WNBA stars Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Alyssa Thomas.

However, Reese’s season wasn’t without its moments of controversy. On February 1st, she became the first Unrivaled player to be ejected from a game after receiving two technical fouls following a disagreement with a referee.

Beyond her performance on the court, Reese has emerged as one of the most recognizable and popular figures in women’s basketball. Her rise to prominence was significantly fueled by her leading role in securing a national championship for LSU in 2023. Following that triumph, she was selected as the No. 7 overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA draft. Despite her season-ending wrist injury in the WNBA, she made an immediate impact, leading the league in rebounding as a rookie.

Her achievements and captivating personality have propelled her to another level of popularity on social media and within pop culture.

In January, Reese graced the cover of Vogue Magazine, solidifying her status as a fashion icon and cultural influencer. Furthermore, the "Angel Reese Special" at McDonald’s, featuring her name on cups and paper bags, has demonstrated her marketability and appeal to a wider audience. Reese’s podcast “Unapologetically Angel” was also named one of Spotify’s Best New Shows of 2024.

Reflecting on the pressures and rewards of her burgeoning career, Reese shared her thoughts after her historic 20-20 game, stating, "At 22, it’s hard living this life. But I’m grateful. I’m blessed. And being here at Unrivaled has been the best thing for me."

The Unrivaled league and the Chicago Sky will be anxiously monitoring the progress of Angel Reese’s injured hand over the next few days. Her presence on the court is vital to her team’s chances of securing a championship in the Unrivaled league and vital to the Sky’s hopes for a deep playoff run once the WNBA season resumes.

Regardless of the outcome of the Unrivaled playoffs, Angel Reese has already left an indelible mark on the league’s inaugural season. Her defensive prowess, rebounding dominance, and overall impact on the court, coupled with her growing influence off the court, solidify her status as one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball. The future remains bright for Angel Reese, and fans will eagerly await her return to full health and her continued success in the sport.