Angel Reese’s 1st Career Double-Double Thrills WNBA Fans Despite Sky’s Loss vs. Storm

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTFeatured Columnist IVMay 29, 2024

Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

Angel Reese continues to take impressive strides early in her WNBA career.

The Chicago Sky rookie forward finished with her first career double-double, notching a career-high 12 rebounds during Tuesday’s 77-68 loss against the Seattle Storm to go along with 11 points, three assists and two steals.

WNBA @WNBAThe Chi-Town Barbie goin’ to work in the 4th 😤

Angel Reese gets the AND-1 to go to cut the Storm’s lead to 10

📲 SEA-CHI on WNBA League Pass pic.twitter.com/MxcnrgeAlt

Chicago Sky @chicagoskyMoney Mabrey to The Chi-Town Barbie!#skytown pic.twitter.com/3IPcJ7w67R

It wasn’t enough to top a balanced Storm team led by Jewell Loyd (19 points, six assists), Skylar Diggins-Smith (21 points), Ezi Magbegor (13 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks, three steals) and Nneka Ogwumike (10 points, five rebounds).

But it was still a strong effort from Reese, on both ends of the floor, as she continues to impress WNBA fans and pundits alike:

yas @yasbb_Angel Reese double double pic.twitter.com/fpjXxbglSz

GeauxTigerSkyHoops @GEAUXTIGERHOOPSANGEL REESE DOUBLE-DOUBLE!!!!!!!!!!! WE LOVE TO SEE IT. 👑

PlatinumExpressions @06aka13Angel Reese is a beast! Come on Sky Barbie! #SEAvsCHI

JaiVibez🥶 @daystackAngel Reese got her double double LETS GO

Opportunities For Elites⭐️💫✨ @oppsforelitesMy girl got her Double Double finally!!!! That’s right Angel MFk Reese 🔥🔥🔥🔥 #WNBa

Shaz @DarthShaz24First of many double-doubles for Angel Reese

B. @chicagoBRIZAngel Reese is special

save me tatum @New_EraJBANGEL REESE DUB DUB CLUB

Stephen Florival @StephenFlorivalAngel Reese movement skills are sensational. On defense she can eliminate good scoring options as a rook. The offense is rough around the edges but it’s coming along. Future Star

Dana Evans led the Sky with 13 points.

This was a rough offensive performance from Chicago (2-3), which finished with 21 turnovers and shot just 4-of-12 from three.

We haven’t seen the full version of this team, however, as No. 3 overall pick Kamilla Cardoso has yet to play during the regular season. She is expected to return this week, however.

Reese, the No. 7 overall pick, has acquitted herself well in Cardoso’s stead, and the pair figure to roam the frontcourt in Chicago for many years to come.

The two former NCAA champions may face a learning curve as they adjust to playing beside each other, but the upside is intriguing, especially because Reese has looked like she more than belongs at the WNBA level.

Reese has even welcomed the physicality of the league after she was close-lined by Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas on Saturday.

“It’s not just because I’m a rookie. I’m a player. I’m a basketball player. They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. I mean, I want them to come at me every day. I want them to come at everybody,” she told reporters. “I mean, they’re not supposed to be nice to me. I hope y’all know that. They’re not supposed to be nice to me or lay down because I’m Angel Reese or because I’m a rookie. Like, thank you AT for sending a message to me…”

That attitude will endear her to fans. So will a steady dose of double-doubles.