WNBA star Sophie Cunningham is speaking out regarding what she considers dangerous on-court play by Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese. Speaking on her “No Hesitation” podcast on Thursday, the Indiana Fever guard offered a sharp critique of Reese’s physical approach during the 2026 WNBA postseason. While Cunningham prefaced her comments by stating she remains a fan of Reese’s competitive drive, she expressed serious concern over recent incidents where the third-year forward dove at players’ knees and tackled opponents in mid-air.
Sophie Cunningham Calls Out Angel Reese After Playoff Clashes
Cunningham addressed Reese’s play directly on her podcast, emphasizing that while she appreciates players backing up their teammates, certain physical boundaries cannot be crossed on the basketball court. The veteran guard noted that playing hard does not justify going after an opponent’s ankles or tackling players who are elevated in the air. Reese has developed a reputation for intense, highly physical play throughout her young career, averaging nearly four personal fouls per game during Atlanta’s current playoff run.
“Angel I appreciate her having her teammates back … Angel is going to play hard. But you can’t tackle someone in the air and go for someones knees and ankles.”
The critique arrives as Reese and the Dream prepare for a high-stakes matchup after advancing to the WNBA Finals. The forward helped lead Atlanta to the championship round following a three-game series victory over the New York Liberty. Following that series win, Reese reflected publicly on her journey to the Finals, crediting her strong faith and the power of positive manifestation for helping her team reach the pinnacle of the league. She told reporters she refuses to take the moment for granted after speaking big goals into existence.
With Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries set for Saturday, the Dream will rely heavily on Reese’s interior presence. However, team staff and league observers recognize that she must avoid foul trouble and keep her aggressive play within legal limits against Golden State. As the championship series begins, basketball fans across the country will watch closely to see if Reese can balance her physical intensity with disciplined execution on the game’s biggest stage.
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