The Atlanta Dream–Phoenix Mercury matchup got testy early, with Rhyne Howard becoming visibly frustrated after being called for an offensive foul and a technical foul. Angel Reese made sure the Dream star stayed in the game and helped calm her down as she headed to the bench.
Howard should have done the same because two quarters later, the 2024 seventh overall pick found herself on the receiving end of a Flagrant 1 foul call.
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Reese and Kyara Linskens got tangled up during the opening minute of the fourth quarter while the Mercury were leading by three points. The two battled for a rebound after Allisha Gray missed a free throw. Linskens went down hard and needed time to get back up. Replays showed that she was hit in the face by Reese’s left arm.
Atlanta Dream’s Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese talk during deadball vs the Phoenix MercuryJordan Godfree-Imagn Images
The referees initially ruled it a regular foul before upgrading it to a Flagrant 1. It is not a good look for Reese financially, either. If she accumulates more flagrant fouls during the season, it could eventually lead to a suspension.
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A Flagrant 1 foul now carries a $500 fine, which is $300 higher than last season. The monetary penalty was increased this year following major changes to the collective bargaining agreement, which also raised the WNBA salary cap. Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Feverhas already been fined this season for the same violation.
A Flagrant 1 counts as one point, while a Flagrant 2 counts as two points. Accumulating four points results in a suspension.
Reese’s foul on Linskens appeared inadvertent, and she remained in the game afterward. In the end, all went well for the Dream, who secured an 82–80 victory over the Mercury.
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Both Howard and Reese played major roles in the win. Howard scored a game-high 21 points while adding eight rebounds. Reese, meanwhile, was all over the floor, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block.
Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas combined for 40 points in the losing effort for the Mercury.
The latest win moved the Dream to the top of the WNBA standings. Next up for Atlanta is a matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, who are riding their own two-game winning streak.
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Minnesota will host Atlanta at Target Center on Wednesday, 9 p.m. ET.
Related: Angel Reese Taunts Dallas Wings With Popular Gesture
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
