Angel Reese led the way for the Chicago Sky with 25 points and 16 rebounds in an 88-87 comeback win against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. The Sky vs Fever has become must-watch-television with the last two games being won by just one point. Fans are choosing sides when it comes to Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. It’s both sad and frustrating because it feels like Reese’s dominant play is often overshadowed by the fact that she is seen as Clarke’s “rival”. It’s time to throw away the preconceived notions about her as this young woman has done nothing but be a great team leader, role model, and hooper.
Reese is not known for her high-scoring games but exploded for 25 points after battling all night with Nalyssa Smith. She feeds off of high-level competition, instantly responding to Nalyssa Smith’s “too small” reference with a flurry of points against her. She spearheaded the huge fourth-quarter comeback, scoring 10 of her points and grabbing 5 rebounds. How is she able to find so much success as not only a rookie but an undersized big? Reese summarizes it better than I can.
She describes herself as a “dog” and she proves that night in and night out. A player, often told that her game wouldn’t translate to the WNBA has proved the doubters wrong. She became the first rookie in WNBA history to get a double-double in 7 straight games two games ago against the Dallas Wings and after her performance against the Fever, it’s hard to imagine that streak ending anytime soon. Her recipe for success is not a secret, it’s effort and high basketball IQ. She has a great sense of where the ball will end up after hitting the rim, and with much-improved efficiency shooting from the field, she has become a serious problem for opposing teams.
Reese is now second on the rebounding leaderboard, only trailing A’ja Wilson by .4. She also tops the offensive rebounding leaderboard, averaging 4.7 a game with the next closest being Ezi Magebegor with 3.2.
Reese is only 22 years old and has improved every single game; the work she is putting in off of the court is showing. Her body language and leadership have also been noticeable throughout the season, constantly motivating her teammates and keeping her team in the game with hustle plays. Check out her highlights against the Fever here:
A’ja Wilson praised Reese’s ability to rebound and also complimented the way that the Rookie carries herself. This is high praise from the best player in the league and Angel Reese became the first rookie since A’ja Wilson to have 25 points and 15 rebounds in a game. Your next chance to watch Angel Reese and the Sky is on Thursday the 27th when will square off against the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces.