Angel Reese called for technical foul in Dream loss to Liberty

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese and New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier had a battle on Thursday that ended with Reese receiving a technical foul.

At the 8:54 mark of the fourth quarter, Reese was driving to the basket for a layup when she made contact with Astier. The contact sent the rookie to the floor following what was initially called an and-1 opportunity.

The play was challenged by New York and was later overturned. Reese was called for an offensive foul, her fourth foul of the game. Reese was also given a technical foul.

What Reese received the technical for was not immediately clear. However, it's worth noting that after Reese made the layup, she did a "too small" gesture towards Astier.

LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese drives around South Carolina's Laeticia Amihere in the second half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.

New York had an 81-69 lead at the time of the play. Reese's potential score would have cut New York's lead down to eight. New York's lead was once as high as 18. Atlanta never led by more than six points.

Reese was one of the lone bright spots against the Liberty. Atlanta lost 104-90, falling to 8-4 on the season. It was the first time in head coach Karl Smesko's tenure that a team scored 100 points or more.Reese finished with a game-high 25 points on 50% shooting and nine rebounds, plus three assists, two steals and one blocked shot.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Angel Reese called for technical foul in Dream loss to Liberty