Angel Reese fouled out of the Atlanta Dream’s 88-83 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on July 5, 2026, after recording 17 points and 13 rebounds. The game sparked widespread debate over a second-quarter offensive foul called against Reese, which slow-motion footage shared by Bleacher Report suggests was a “flop” by Valkyries forward Laeticia Amihere.
Why the Angel Reese and Laeticia Amihere foul is sparking controversy
The dispute centers on a play with 2:48 remaining in the second quarter. According to Athlon Sports, Reese attempted to post up against Amihere and turned toward the basket, leading referees to call an offensive foul for an elbow to the face. However, slow-motion video of the incident indicates minimal to zero contact, showing Amihere bending her head backward to simulate a hit.
Social media reactions were immediate. Viewers on Bleacher Report described Amihere’s performance as “elite acting skills” and questioned where the actual contact occurred. While some fans maintain Reese did make contact, the prevailing sentiment among viewers is that the foul was manufactured.
What happens next with WNBA flopping penalties?
The league may now review the footage to determine if Amihere should face disciplinary action. Under WNBA regulations, players who intentionally simulate a foul can be penalized. This incident follows a pattern of increased scrutiny on officiating and player conduct, similar to the recent reports regarding the WNBA’s decision to punish Kaitlyn Chen following a Golden State Valkyries game.
For Reese, the impact was direct. She committed six fouls throughout the game, fouling out with only seven seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Her exit capped a difficult stretch for the Dream, who have now lost five consecutive outings.
Comparison: Statistical Dominance vs. Discipline Issues
| Category | Angel Reese Performance |
|---|---|
| Points | 17 |
| Rebounds | 13 |
| Other Stats | 3 assists, 2 steals |
| Outcome | Fouled out (6 fouls) |
How flopping affects game outcomes and player legacies
When a player like Reese fouls out due to a contested call, it removes a double-double threat from the floor during the closing seconds of a tight game. The Dream lost by five points (88-83). Had the offensive foul on Amihere been overturned or not called, the Dream’s defensive rotation and Reese’s presence in the paint might have altered the final margin.
This trend of “selling” fouls is becoming a focal point for fans and analysts. As high-definition, slow-motion replays become instantly available via platforms like Bleacher Report, the gap between the referee’s live call and the digital reality grows, putting more pressure on the WNBA to implement consistent disciplinary measures for deceptive play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Angel Reese actually hit Laeticia Amihere?
According to slow-motion video shared by Bleacher Report, there appeared to be minimal to zero contact, suggesting Amihere simulated the hit.
How many fouls did Angel Reese commit in the game?
Reese committed six fouls and fouled out with seven seconds left in the fourth quarter.
What was the final score of the Dream vs. Valkyries game?
The Golden State Valkyries won 88-83.
Can the WNBA punish a player for flopping?
Yes, the league has strict rules against flopping and can take disciplinary action after reviewing game footage.
What do you think? Was the foul on Reese a legitimate call or an elite acting job by Amihere? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more WNBA analysis.
