Chicago Sky star rookie Angel Reese is aware of the criticisms of her game, but she won’t let them stop her from celebrating the monumental achievement of breaking the WNBA single-season rebounding record on Sunday.
“I just knew my motor. Offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds is something I know I can always do, I knew it was going to translate right away, and that’s something that a lot of players don’t want to do,” Reese told reporters in Chicago’s post-game press conference. “A lot of people think it’s because I get my own rebounds, but statistically it’s not. A lot of people think it’s because I’m the tallest on the court when I’m not the tallest on the court.”
“A lot of people think it’s because I get my own rebounds, but statistically it’s not. A lot of people think it’s because I’m the tallest on the court when I’m not the tallest on the court.”
Angel Reese on why she’s such a great rebounder 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/zQd7DfsGKF
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) September 1, 2024
Reese pulled down 19 rebounds in Sunday’s 79-74 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, giving her 418 this season and surpassing Sylvia Fowles’ previous record of 404 in 2018. She also set a new record with 165 offensive rebounds, eclipsing Yolanda Griffith’s 162 in 2001. The 6’3″ rookie, who averages 13.1 rebounds per game, added 17 points in Sunday’s game for her 24th double-double, extending her league record for a first-year player.
Despite Reese’s dominance on the glass, she still has areas where she needs to improve. Some have criticized her lack of efficiency around the rim, as she’s shooting 38.6 percent from the field this season. In Sunday’s loss, she shot 6-of-16 (37.5 percent) and had a team-high six turnovers. Her rebounding prowess has yet to influence winning, as Chicago has now lost six straight games to fall to 11-21.
Still, Reese has proven to be a superstar in the making. She has eight games left to try to break Alyssa Thomas’ single-season record of 28 double-doubles, and all signs point to her setting a new mark.
Reese will try to help the Sky end their skid when they return to action on Tuesday, but it won’t be an easy task as they will be facing the Las Vegas Aces, who defeated the Phoenix Mercury 97-79 on Sunday to improve to 20-12.
