Angel Reese sends prayers after JuJu Watkins sustains brutal injury and gets carried off the court

Modified Mar 26, 2025 14:30 GMT

Angel Reese reacts to JuJu Watkins injury on Monday against Mississippi State. [photo: @angelreese5/IG, @jujuballin/IG]

Angel Reese watched JuJu Watkins in action in the second round of the NCAA tournament against Mississippi State. The USC star guard crumpled early in the first quarter after trying to attack the Bulldogs’ defense. Watkins writhed in pain and stayed on the floor for a few minutes before the Trojans’ training staff carried her to the locker room.

Angel Reese wasn't the only WNBA star who reacted to the injury. Breanna Stewart joined the fray:

Watkins and the Trojans took on the Mississippi Bulldogs for a spot in the Sweet 16, where the No. 5 Kansas State waits. USC surged to an early 13-2 lead when the star guard suffered an injury. Watkins' left leg buckled and she fell to the floor while grimacing in pain.

The Trojans kept their composure after the injury and finished the first quarter with a 28-8 lead.

JuJu Watkins had Angel Reese leading WNBA Rookie of the Year race over Caitlin Clark

The spotlight was on Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark even before the 2024 WNBA season started. Roughly two months into the competition, the Rookie of the Year race between the rivals became the headliner.

JuJu Watkins had this to say in a GQ interview when asked about who she thought led the competition:

Reese was on a streak of double-double games when the interview with Watkins happened. Clark eventually overtook the Chicago Sky star after leading the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016. Clark eventually won the award almost unanimously, with only one vote going to Reese.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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