Angel Reese, one of the Chicago Sky’s groundbreaking rookies this season, had her inaugural WNBA season abruptly come to an end following a season-ending wrist injury sustained during Friday night’s matchup against Los Angeles Sparks. Angel was widely recognized for being among the league’s most impactful rookies this year and she shared her thoughts via social media after her injury; posting both gratitude and emotional reflection.
Angel Reese’s Social Media Reflection
On Saturday, Angel Reese took to social media to reflect on her injury and the year she had in the league. “What a year,” she wrote, recalling the unexpected nature of the season’s ending. Her last shot of the rookie season was a three-pointer, which she humorously suggested might be a hint of what fans can expect in the future. “Maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol.”
While dealing with the disappointment of the injury, Reese remained optimistic, acknowledging that the setback was part of a larger plan. “Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break,” she said. Quoting the popular saying, she added, “‘God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.
Reese's Record-Breaking Rookie Season
After being chosen with the seventh pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Angel Reese made an immediate and profound mark on her first season as an NBA rookie. Coming from LSU where she led them to national victory, Reese continued her dominance into professional ranks; boasting 26 double-doubles during her rookie campaign – second most ever recorded by any WNBA rookie!
Reese earned her reputation as an elite performer early this summer when she set a WNBA record of 15 consecutive double-doubles, cementing her place among its elite. Her ability to consistently rebound and score made her one of the standout players of the season.
Reese boasted impressive stats throughout her first season with Chicago Sky: an average of 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. As a key member of both offense and defense for her team, Reese led their efforts on both ends of the court.
Recognition as an All-Star and Competition with Caitlin Clark
Not only did Angel Reese rack up impressive stats in her debut season, but she was also widely regarded as one of the league’s most promising young players. She joined her old collegiate opponent and leading contender for Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark, in making history as an All-Star. They made history by being the first rookie duo to be named to the All-Star team since 2014.
Not only that, but Reese’s All-Star status made him the fourth rookie for the Chicago Sky and the first since 2013—a major accomplishment in and of itself. The intense competition between her and Clark, which had enthralled college basketball fans, continued in the WNBA, elevating her already remarkable rookie season to new heights of excitement.
Contradictory Pre-Draft Anticipations and Reese's Surprising Success
Many who assessed Reese’s abilities had doubts about her ability to play at a professional level before she joined the WNBA. Some were skeptical of her performance at first, but her unrelenting energy and rebounding skills soon dispelled their concerns. In particular, when it came to rebounding, Reese not only met but above expectations.
She accomplished the unprecedented achievement of recording 20 or more rebounds in three consecutive games, becoming the first player in WNBA history to do so. The record for most rebounds in a single season in WNBA history was broken by Reese, who amassed 446 in 34 games played. With an average of 13.1, she is closing in on becoming the WNBA player with the most rebounds in a season.
Gaining More Support for the WNBA
The influence of Angel Reese on the WNBA did not end with her performance on the court. A new generation of fans were drawn to the league by her rising stardom and cultural impact. Reese became one of the most prominent figures representing the WNBA with a combined total of 8.4 million followers across Instagram and TikTok.
Among her notable performances were the Met Gala and a Chicago concert when she joined rapper Megan Thee Stallion onstage. To further establish her position as a crossover star, Reese even made an appearance in a music video alongside rappers Cardi B and Latto. A lot of people are starting to take notice of the Chicago Sky and the WNBA because of her remarkable combination of on-court dominance and off-court charisma.
Plans and Reflections for the Future
Angel Reese is adamant about making an impression even if her debut season ended badly. In her social media post, she revealed her long-held goal of becoming a prominent figure in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), which she believes she has achieved thus far. “Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed,” according to her. Reese assured everyone that she is capable of continuing to thrive and that she will not stop striving for greatness.
Unrivaled is a new 3×3 basketball league that WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier co-founded. Reese has indicated that she still expects to participate in it, in addition to her intentions with the Chicago Sky. The new league is going to be much more exciting when Reese is a part of it when it launches in January.
A Difficult Season and Playoff Push for the Sky
Although the Chicago Sky have been proud of Reese’s individual success, they have also had to overcome their own difficulties. Reese was initially marked as doubtful on the injury report before Sunday’s game against the Dallas Wings, giving supporters optimism that she would make a comeback. But the Sky are still in the hunt for a playoff position, and her season-ending injury has taken a vital player off the field.
With a record of 12-22, the Sky are in eighth place in the league and are in danger of clinching the last playoff slot for the WNBA. Regardless of their position, the squad has had a rough second half of the season, going 2-8 and ranking second-worst in the league. The Sky’s playoff aspirations were already hampered by the loss of Reese, and they were further hindered by the five games missed by leading scorer Chennedy Carter.
A Challenging Recess to the Season
Quite a ride has been had by the Sky throughout the second half of the season. After being out since August 25, Carter returned to the lineup in their most recent victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, which ended a seven-game losing run. Although there is still hope for the squad to reach the playoffs, losing Reese would surely make their path more difficult.
Even though Angel Reese’s first year was cut short, she left an indelible mark on the WNBA and the Chicago Sky. Her unprecedented play, selection to the All-Star team, and increasing star power off the court have laid the groundwork for an incredible future ahead. The rising sensation has even bigger things in store for her admirers in Year 2.