A’ja Wilson hilariously apologizes to Angel Reese after unexpected All-Star block

A’ja Wilson hilariously apologizes to Angel Reese after unexpected All-Star block originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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A’ja Wilson is one of the most feared defenders in WNBA history, but even the Las Vegas Aces superstar did not expect to add another block to her resume during Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game.

Wilson produced one of the funniest moments of the night when she denied Angel Reese at the rim during Team Spoon’s 129-122 victory over Team Coop at the United Center in Chicago.

The play unfolded during the second quarter when Reese drove toward the basket and attempted a layup. Wilson initially appeared ready to move out of the way, as defenders often do during the exhibition, but she instinctively reached out and blocked the shot without even leaving her feet.

Reese stumbled while heading back down the court, and both players immediately laughed about the unexpected rejection.

A’ja Wilson says she is ‘so sorry’ to Angel Reese

Wilson was still feeling guilty about the block after the game.

A’ja Wilson couldn’t believe Angel Reese missed the lay 💀

(via @MylesEhrlich) pic.twitter.com/6nqMoQB4NZ

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 26, 2026

“Angel was not supposed to do that,” Wilson said. “I was trying to get out of the way. I do not like to block shots during All-Star games. I’ve never had that happen to me, and I’m so sorry.”

Wilson’s explanation made the sequence even better. Blocking shots has become second nature for the four-time WNBA MVP and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, so apparently even an All-Star Game could not completely shut off those defensive instincts.

There were no hard feelings from Reese, who shared a laugh with Wilson after the play.

It was a brief but memorable interaction between two of the WNBA’s biggest stars. Reese has previously spoken about looking up to Wilson, while Wilson has publicly supported the younger generation of players entering the league.

MORE: Angel Reese’s shockingly short WNBA All-Star appearance has simple explanation

Angel Reese plays nine minutes in WNBA All-Star Game

The blocked layup was Reese’s only field-goal attempt of the night. The Atlanta Dream forward finished scoreless but still made an impact in her limited playing time, collecting five rebounds and handing out four assists in a game-low nine minutes.

Her restricted workload was understandable after Reese recently suffered a concerning left leg injury during Atlanta’s 93-91 victory over the Chicago Sky. Her knee buckled on a non-contact play early in the fourth quarter, forcing her to leave the game.

Reese was able to participate in the All-Star Game, but there was little reason to push her in an exhibition with the second half of the WNBA season still ahead.

Wilson recorded 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and the memorable block in 14 minutes.

New York Liberty star Jonquel Jones earned All-Star Game MVP honors after delivering 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Jones also became the first player in league history to capture regular-season MVP, Commissioner’s Cup MVP, WNBA Finals MVP and All-Star Game MVP honors during her career.

Still, Wilson’s accidental block and immediate apology to Reese provided one of the most entertaining moments of the entire weekend.

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