Angel Reese’s record-breaking rookie season ended two weeks earlier than expected.
The Chicago Sky forward announced Saturday that she will miss the remainder of the season due to an injury. It is likely a wrist injury, as it was previously announced that she would not be able to play in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Wings.
What a year! I never would have imagined that the last basket of my rookie season would be a 3-pointer, but maybe that’s what God said: “Let’s give them a taste of what they’ll see more of in Year 2.” Through it all, I’ve proven that I belong in this league even when no one else believed it. image.twitter.com/re1X85mWR2
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) September 8, 2024
Reese’s full ad:
“What a year. I never would have imagined the last basket of my rookie season would be a 3, but maybe that was what God said, “Let’s give them a taste of what they’ll see more of in Year 2 lol.” Throughout it all, I have proven that I belong in this league even when no one else believed it. All I ever wanted was to come through with a win and make an impact. I can confidently say that I have done that and will strive to continue to do so. I am filled with emotions right now as I am dealing with a season-ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what comes next. Even though this is God’s time and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a break physically and mentally. “God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.”
“You’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader from the sidelines! And in the Unrivaled league, see you soon! “
Despite missing the Sky’s final six regular-season games, Reese will finish her rookie season with the most rebounds in a season by a WNBA player (not rookie, player) in history, unless Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson catches up. Reese currently has 446 on the season, while Wilson sits at 406 with six games remaining.
Reese has also set the WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles (10) and the rookie record for total double-doubles (26). Had she played a few more games, she could have broken Alyssa Thomas’ record of 28 as well.
In any other season, that productivity would have made Reese the favorite for Rookie of the Year, but this year it looks like it will only cement her as a rival to Caitlin Clark, who is making history of her own. The race between Clark and Reese might be the closest in league history, but the extra games seem to help the Indiana Fever star (who many thought already had the award won).
Still, Reese’s season has been a huge success on its own. Many wondered if the former LSU star would be able to adjust to the WNBA level, with concerns about her offensive game and 6-foot-3 frame leading her to fall to No. 7 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
It took Reese very few games to erase, or at least mitigate, those concerns through elite rebounding and defensive tenacity. It’s no exaggeration to say she’s now the face of the Sky, who currently have a 12-22 record.
