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Angel Reese made an immediate and historic impact for the Chicago Sky with her relentless rebounding and physicality. The LSU product didn't just set rookie rebounding records—she shattered them, rewriting what's possible for a first-year forward in the modern WNBA. Her signature achievement, a stretch of 20+ consecutive double-doubles, showcased a motor and tenacity rarely seen at any level of professional basketball.
Reese's ability to control the glass on both ends created extra possessions and second-chance opportunities that transformed Chicago's offensive identity. While her offensive game continues developing, her defensive rebounding and interior presence already rank among the league's best. Combined with her magnetic personality and competitive fire, Reese established herself as one of the faces of the new generation. Her ongoing rivalry with Caitlin Clark promises to define the next era of WNBA basketball.
Angel Reese's 20 consecutive double-doubles stand as one of the most impressive feats in WNBA history. To put this in perspective, only a handful of players have ever achieved even 10 straight double-doubles. Reese more than doubled that mark as a rookie, demonstrating a consistency and dominance that defied her inexperience.
During the streak, Reese averaged:
The streak finally ended on August 28th, but not before Reese had announced herself as one of the league's premier rebounders. She finished the season averaging 13.1 points and 13.6 rebounds per game, making her just the second rookie ever to average a double-double and the first to do so while playing in the modern pace-and-space era.
What makes Reese's rebounding so special isn't just effort—though her motor is relentless—it's her technique and positioning. She studied film obsessively, learning the tendencies of opposing shooters and positioning herself accordingly. Her timing on box-outs is elite for a rookie, and her hands are strong enough to secure contested rebounds against bigger, more experienced players.
Rebounding is about heart and hustle. Every possession matters. Every loose ball matters. I'm going to fight for everything because that's what my team needs from me. That's what championships are built on.
Reese's offensive rebounding deserves special mention. She averaged 3.2 offensive boards per game, 3rd in the league despite being a rookie. Her ability to crash the glass while also running the floor in transition made her a unique weapon for the Sky. Opponents couldn't prevent her from getting second-chance opportunities without committing extra defenders, which opened up spacing for Chicago's shooters.
Her 18-foot range on jump shots meant defenders couldn't sag off her, creating driving lanes for guards. When they closed out too aggressively, Reese attacked the glass for offensive rebounds. This pick-your-poison dynamic made Chicago's offense more dynamic than their talent level suggested.
While rebounding garnered the headlines, Reese's defensive growth throughout the season was equally impressive. She started the year as a raw but energetic defender who struggled with positioning and fouling. By season's end, she had developed into a legitimate defensive presence who could protect the rim, switch onto smaller players, and anchor pick-and-roll coverage.
Reese averaged 1.4 blocks and 1.1 steals per game, solid numbers that don't fully capture her deterrent effect. Players altered shots in her vicinity, and teams avoided attacking the paint when she was positioned as the help defender. Her 6'3" frame and 7-foot wingspan gave her the physical tools to be elite; the improvement in her basketball IQ and technique showed she was developing the mental side as well.
The Sky's defensive rating was 4.8 points better per 100 possessions with Reese on the court. For a team that struggled defensively overall, having one player who could anchor that end of the floor was invaluable. As she continues developing, Reese projects as a potential All-Defensive Team candidate.
While Reese's rebounding and defensive impact were immediately elite, her offensive game has room for improvement. She shot just 68.4% from the free-throw line, below league average, and her three-point shooting (1-of-8 for the season) remains a work in progress. Her post game is effective but predictable, relying mostly on power moves rather than counter moves or finesse.
The encouraging sign is that Reese showed improvement as the season progressed. Her mid-range jump shot became more consistent, and she began recognizing double teams earlier and making better passing decisions. Her 1.8 assists per game as a rookie forward suggest developing court vision and willingness to facilitate.
Chicago's coaching staff has emphasized expanding Reese's offensive repertoire. Adding a reliable 15-foot jumper would make her nearly unstoppable in the pick-and-pop game. Improving her free-throw shooting to 75%+ would make her even more aggressive attacking the basket. These are realistic improvements for a player with her work ethic and coachability.
The Reese-Clark rivalry that captivated college basketball translated seamlessly to the WNBA. Their head-to-head matchups were appointment television, with both players rising to the occasion and delivering memorable performances. The stylistic contrast—Reese's physical inside game versus Clark's perimeter wizardry—made for compelling basketball.
In their four regular-season meetings, both players averaged near their season stats, with neither gaining a clear individual advantage. The Fever won the season series 3-1, but Reese's performance kept Chicago competitive in each game. The mutual respect between the players was evident even as the media tried to manufacture drama.
This rivalry is good for the WNBA. It gives casual fans an easy narrative to follow while showcasing two completely different but equally effective playing styles. As they continue developing, Reese and Clark could define an era of WNBA basketball much like Magic and Bird did for the NBA.
Reese's rookie season coincided with a transitional period for the Sky. The team finished 13-27, missing the playoffs, but Reese provided a foundation for future success. Her rebounding kept Chicago competitive in games they had no business winning, and her energy set a tone for the team's identity moving forward.
Veteran players like Chennedy Carter and Marina Mabrey thrived with Reese crashing the offensive glass and creating second-chance opportunities. Young players like Kamilla Cardoso benefited from playing alongside another emerging star. Reese proved she could be a franchise cornerstone, the type of player you build around for the next decade.
The Sky's front office has work to do surrounding Reese with complementary talent, but having a 22-year-old averaging a double-double solves one of the hardest problems in roster construction. Elite rebounders are rare; elite rebounders who are also developing into complete players are franchise-altering assets.
Beyond the basketball, Reese's personality has made her one of the WNBA's most marketable stars. Her confidence, style, and authenticity resonate with younger fans who see themselves in her. She's unafraid to be herself, whether that's showing emotion on the court, speaking her mind in interviews, or embracing her role as a fashion icon.
Reese's social media presence rivals any player in the league, with millions of followers across platforms. Her endorsement deals and brand partnerships demonstrate the commercial appeal of WNBA stars when they're allowed to be authentic and express their personalities. She's helping redefine what it means to be a professional women's basketball player in the modern era.
Despite her remarkable rookie season, Reese has clear areas for growth:
The good news is that all of these areas are coachable and improvable with dedicated work. Reese has shown the work ethic and humility to continue developing. Her ceiling is as high as any young player in the league.
Angel Reese's rookie season established her as a cornerstone player for the Chicago Sky and one of the most exciting young talents in women's basketball. Her historic rebounding, developing defensive game, and magnetic personality make her a special player who impacts winning in multiple ways.
As she enters her second season, expectations will be higher. The Sky will need her to take another leap forward, adding offensive polish to her already elite rebounding and improving defensive impact. If she does, Chicago becomes a playoff team. If she becomes an All-Star level player, the Sky become contenders.
The rivalry with Caitlin Clark will continue generating headlines and driving interest in the WNBA. The comparison debates will rage on social media. But the real winners are basketball fans who get to watch two generational talents compete at the highest level for years to come.
Angel Reese's rookie season was about more than statistics—it was about establishing an identity, setting a standard, and announcing that a new star had arrived. Mission accomplished. Now the real work begins.
