Alyssa Thomas chokeslams Angel Reese (Photo via CBS)
Angel Reese got her welcome to the WNBA moment on Saturday, as the former LSU star was chokeslammed to the hardcourt by Alyssa Thomas.

The incident took place during a game between the Chicago Sky and the Connecticut Sun, as the Sky rookie was going up to grab a rebound when she was viciously struck in the neck and thrown to the ground by the Sun Veteran.

The play occurred with a little less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter and the Sky leading by one. After video review, Thomas was handed a flagrant 2, which resulted in an ejection. The MVP runner-up form last season had nine points, six assists and six rebounds at the time of her ejection.

As for Angel Reese, got right back up and remained in the game. She finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists, but her team came up short. In the end, it was the visiting Sun who would prevail without their star player, 86-82.

Angel Reese Takes Her “Welcome To The WNBA Moment” In Stride.

Angel Reese has made her mark in the WNBA thus far during her rookie season. Since being taken 7th overall by the Chicago Sky, she’s helped lead them to two wins in their first four games.

After Saturday’s loss, she spoke about the hard foul from Thomas. Reese made it clear that she expects her opponents to play hard. She thanked Thomas for the foul, saying it helped send a message. Reese added that she responded to the strong message by getting back up and continuing to fight.

Angel Reese isn’t the only high-profile rookie who’s been on the receiving end of some brutal physicality. Caitlin Clark has also been taking her lumps early in during her first season in the WNBA.

Neither of these ladies should expect their competition to let up on them anytime soon.