Angel Reese on her playing style:”I play with a lot of passion. I play with a chip on my shoulder, and I think that’s what sets me apart.”
On her confidence and attitude: “I’m always going to be myself. I’m not going to change for anyone. I bring energy, I bring confidence, and that’s just who I am.”
WNBA Rookie of the Year contender Angel Reese continues to make headlines with her stellar performances for the Chicago Sky. On Friday night, Reese delivered another impressive outing, grabbing 20 rebounds in a close 82-80 loss to the Connecticut Sun. In addition to her dominance on the boards, Reese scored 13 points, with seven of her rebounds coming from the offensive glass—more than any of her teammates managed in total rebounds.
Sky’s Angel Reese becomes first player in WNBA history with 20 rebounds in back-to-back gameshttps://t.co/AU0R7EgXhx
— CBS Sports WNBA (@CBSSportsWNBA) August 24, 2024
Reese’s remarkable rebounding efforts have set her apart this season. According to ESPN, she became the first player in WNBA history to record 20 rebounds in two consecutive games. Even more impressively, she is the first rookie in either the WNBA or NBA to achieve this feat since Shaquille O’Neal did so with the Orlando Magic in 1993. Only one other player, Tina Charles, has had multiple 20-rebound games in a WNBA rookie season, a record she set in 2010.
The LSU alum shot 3-for-12 from the field but was highly efficient from the free throw line, making 7 out of 8 attempts. She also contributed defensively with two blocks. Earlier this season, Reese set a WNBA record with 15 consecutive double-doubles, and she has now recorded her fifth in a row. Heading into Friday’s game, the Maryland native was averaging 13.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.
Reese, who is in a tight race with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark for the Rookie of the Year award, has solidified her case with her exceptional rebounding. She currently has 352 total rebounds for the season, placing her 12th on the all-time list for a single WNBA season. She is now just 52 rebounds shy of breaking Sylvia Fowles’ record of 404 rebounds set in 2018. With 12 games remaining in the season, Reese is on pace to surpass this record, potentially setting a new standard for rebounding excellence in the league.
Angel Reese Makes WNBA History After Breaking Record Of Indiana Fever Star https://t.co/xb3IW4DE50
— Patrick Jackson (@Patrick86943813) August 24, 2024
Fowles’ record-setting year saw her average 11.9 rebounds per game, a benchmark that Reese is also on track to break. Despite the loss to the Connecticut Sun, the Chicago Sky’s record stands at 11-17. If the season were to end today, they would occupy the eighth and final playoff spot, underscoring the importance of Reese’s contributions to the team.
Reese’s historic performances are not only making a strong case for Rookie of the Year but also positioning her to rewrite the WNBA record books. With several games still left to play, the basketball world is eagerly watching to see just how high Reese can set the bar.
Key Points:
i. Angel Reese made WNBA history by becoming the first player to record 20 rebounds in two consecutive games and the first rookie in either the WNBA or NBA to do so since Shaquille O’Neal in 1993.
ii. Reese, a standout for the Chicago Sky, scored 13 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in a close 82-80 loss to the Connecticut Sun.
iii. She currently ranks 12th on the all-time list for most rebounds in a single WNBA season with 352 rebounds and is on pace to break Sylvia Fowles’ 2018 record of 404 rebounds.
iv. Reese has maintained an average of 13.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game this season, further solidifying her case for Rookie of the Year.
v. Despite the team’s loss, the Chicago Sky are still in contention for the playoffs, holding the eighth and final playoff spot with a record of 11-17.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
