Angel Reese's stellar rookie season with the Chicago Sky is coming to a premature end.
Reese announced Saturday that she will miss the remainder of the WNBA season after suffering a "season ending injury." Reese didn't disclose what injury she suffered or when it happened, but the Sky confirmed that Reese suffered a wrist injury during the Chicago's 92-78 win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday.
"What a year," Reese wrote in a statement shared across social media. "I’m filled with emotions right now that I have a season ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next. Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break."
Reese dropped a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds in the Sky's blowout win over the Sparks on Friday, marking her 26th double-double of the season in 34 games played. She shot 9-of-15 from the field and 1-of-3 from three, including a 3-pointer with 3:20 remaining to ice the game.
"I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2," Reese said.
Reese ends her rookie campaign with her name in the record books, averaging 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. She leads the league in rebounds (13.1), offensive rebounds per game (5.1) and set a WNBA single season record for the most rebounds (446). Her 15-game double-double streak set a record for the most consecutive since Candace Parker had 12 in a row spanning the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Reese was named a WNBA All-Star and recorded a double-double in an ASG win over the U.S. women's national basketball team.
As of Tuesday, Reese was listed as No. 2 in USA TODAY Sport's WNBA Rookie of the Year power rankings.
"Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact," said Reese, who was drafted out of LSU with the No. 7 overall pick in April after leading the Tigers to the Elite Eight. "I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so."
The Sky (12-22) is locked in a battle with the Atlanta Dream (12-22) and Washington Mystics (11-23) for the eighth and final spot in the playoffs. Chicago faces Washington (Sept. 11) and Atlanta (Sept. 17) in their final six regular season games this year. Although Reese won't be on the court, the rookie sensation said "you’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader on the sideline" to her Chicago teammates.
The 2024 WNBA playoffs begin on Sept. 22
Reese also hinted that she'll be back in time for the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league created by WNBA All-Stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, which tips off in January: "Unrivaled league, see you soon!"
Reese's Impact on the WNBA
Reese's historic rookie season has captivated the league and its fans, with her dominance on the court making waves across the WNBA. She has quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with, leaving a lasting impression on the league with her incredible athleticism and relentless rebounding.
Unrivaled Future
Reese's injury is a significant setback, but her impact on the game is undeniable. Her impressive rookie campaign has solidified her status as a future star in the WNBA. While her season is over, she is set to make a splash in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled league, showcasing her skills in a new format. This opportunity will further solidify her position as a captivating force in women's basketball, promising exciting prospects for her future.
The league is poised to see even greater things from Reese in the years to come, as she continues to develop her game and assert her presence on the court. Her relentless drive and commitment to the sport make her a compelling figure to watch, and fans eagerly anticipate her return to the WNBA in the next season.
