Skylar Diggins just learned the costly consequence of one moment vs. Angel Reese's Dream

The Chicago Sky walked off the floor Tuesday night with another loss. Skylar Diggins walked away with something else, too.

During Chicago's 82-75 defeat against Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream, Diggins picked up a technical foul that now comes with an automatic financial penalty from the WNBA. The moment occurred during the second quarter after Diggins attacked the basket and appeared to absorb contact from Atlanta guard Jordin Canada. No whistle came from the officials, and Diggins immediately turned her attention toward the referee.

As her frustration continued, so did the conversation with the officials. Moments later, the technical foul was assessed.

While the play itself didn't ultimately determine the outcome of the game, it does carry consequences beyond Tuesday night's box score.

The technical foul that comes with a price

According to WNBA rules, players are fined $500 for each of their first three technical fouls during the regular season. Tuesday's technical was Diggins' second of the year, meaning another automatic fine is headed her way. The penalties only become more severe from there.

Players are fined $1,000 for technical fouls four through seven. Once a player reaches eight technical fouls, the punishment increases to a $1,500 fine and an automatic one-game suspension.

For a veteran leader like Diggins, staying below those thresholds becomes increasingly important as the season progresses.

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A frustrating night for Chicago

Diggins did everything she could to keep the Sky competitive. The veteran guard finished with 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal. Natasha Cloud added 18 points, but Chicago struggled to contain Atlanta's balanced attack.

The biggest storyline belonged to Reese, who delivered a statement performance against the franchise that traded her during the offseason. Reese posted 17 points and 17 rebounds while adding four assists and two steals as Atlanta improved its standing in the Eastern Conference race.

For Chicago, the loss dropped the Sky to 4-8 after what once looked like a promising 3-1 start. And for Diggins, one emotional exchange with an official turned an already frustrating evening into one that will also hit her wallet.

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