Reese, drafted by the Chicago Sky no. 7 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is the only rookie to average a double-double on the season.
To all the critics who doubted Angel Reese, rest assured she's meant for this league. Not only is she destined to become a star in the WNBA, she made history this afternoon. With some worried about how exactly the forward's game would translate to the professional league, today was more than enough proof that she's poised to be one of the greatest ever to grace the game. Reese continues to make headlines this afternoon with her fashion expertise, swag, and confidence. And that confidence has translated into poetry on the court.
In the Chicago Sky's camp day 83-72 victory over the Dallas Wings, Reese finished with a career-high 18 rebounds and 16 points. Accompanied by two steals, "Chi-Town Barbie" became the first rookie in WNBA history to record seven straight double-doubles. Eight of those 18 boards came on the offensive end, leading to Chicago's 48-22 dominance in the paint. Her colossal game on the rebounds came just a week after she scored a career-high 20 points against the Connecticut Sun. +17 on the floor, Reese added three assists, and shot 7-13 from the floor.
Sure, the Dallas Wings are dealing with multiple injuries however, head coach Latricia Tramell chose to display a bigger lineup today.
With Natasha Howard back in the lineup on a minutes restriction, Reese had a field day in the early matchup. And she did so against Howard, Monique Billings, Teaira McCowan, Morgan Bertsch, and Stephanie Soares—the third-leading team in rebounds per game (35.8). For the record, not one of those front-court players is listed below 6 foot 2. Her monumental performance was truly a testament to who Reese is, especially against a Dallas team that ranks second in the league in paint points. It's a tough task to win in the WNBA, let alone rebound over women who are 6 foot 5 and above.
Angel Reese makes WNBA history by having her seventh consecutive game with a double-double the rookie record was held by Tina Charles previously pic.twitter.com/Jy653XSBCd
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) June 20, 2024
In fact, in her post-game interview, she admitted she watched a lot of films about Dallas. Always up for the "dirty work," Reese expressed her desire to do so.
"I'll step in, I'll mess up my nails, lashes, and stuff like that, just for my teammates," said Reese in a social media post by the Chicago Sky. "I'm willing to do whatever for this team." She represents attributes every team would wish for in their franchise start, heart, grit, hustle, and so on.
She now enters into a conversation with historic athletes who paved the way for women's basketball. Some of the greats to ever step foot on the court--- Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, and Candace Parker, to name a few. On pace to break Fowles's season offensive rebounding record, Reese has nothing but praise for the women who were the early trailblazers in women's basketball. Third in the league in rebounds, Reese leads the entire WNBA with 68 offensive rebounds. That puts her ahead of some of most elite--- A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Alyssa Thomas.
Reminding the broadcasters she has a close relationship with Fowles, Reese doubled down on her desire to win.
"I just want to do whatever it takes to win, and rebounding is what I do to win," said Reese postgame.
With her seven-straight double-double, Reese is off to a historic rookie season, chasing Fowles for the record at just 22 years old. With 11 rebounds at the half, the Baltimore native broke previous double-double records set by Cindy Brown and Tina Charles. Averaging 12.4 points and 10.8 rebounds on the season, she's the only rookie to average double figures this season. With the unfortunate injury news to Cameron Brink, she's now set herself far apart in the rookie class.
Angel, you gotta stop. Your game too tough. Your swag too different. #skytown pic.twitter.com/dx6VoLeXlg
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) June 20, 2024
The Sky was previously riding a four-game skid before today, marking losses against the Dream, Sun, Mystics, and Fever. Reese and her teammates gave the younger fans something to cheer about in the first of Chicago's annual Camp Day games. Not new to the league, Camp Day allows kids to attend an WNBA game, perhaps for the first time. A glimpse at their favorite players is special on this day, as it is crucial for the exposure and excitement of women's basketball at a young age. With thousands of children in attendance, Reese was ecstatic to receive the victory when asked about her personal performance.
"Man, I'm just happy we finally won," Reese told ESPN. "I'm excited to be in this league, and win some more."
Second behind Caitlin Clark in points, Reese leads the entire rookie class in rebounds per game (10.8), charity stripe attempts and makes, field goal attempts and makes, and steals. She's certainly making her case for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award.
While much chatter has surrounded other players, we can't forget Reese, a bonafide national champion and four-year star at LSU under head coach Kim Mulkey. Drafted alongside Gamecock legend Kamilla Cardoso, many wondered how the college rivals would fit in Teresa Weatherspoon's front court. While there are contentious times with the media, she continues to put up impressive numbers night in and night out.
Standing at 6 foot 3, Reese also put up a double against the Fever, Mystics, Sun, Dream, and Liberty. Out of those seven games, three of those teams are in the top five in terms of rebounding. Today, we saw relentless aggression to rebound and put back several second-chance opportunities. A consistent mid-range or outside jumper would make Reese a triple threat.
Admitting she's excited to grow on ESPN, she's a genuine candidate for rookie of the year, and keeps dominating the only way she knows how--- with winning plays.
Improved to 5-9 on the season, Reese and the Chicago Sky will take on the Indiana Fever at home, Sunday evening.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration
