Angel Reese Praised by WNBA Fans for Near Double-Double in Sky Preseason Debut
Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVMay 4, 2024
David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images
Rookie forward Angel Reese made a strong impression during her WNBA preseason debut with the Chicago Sky—at least for those fans fortunate enough to see her game.
The 2024 first-round pick had 13 points and nine rebounds in a little over 24 minutes on the floor in a 92-81 loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Saturday’s game wasn’t broadcast on WNBA League Pass, leading a lot of fans to follow the action from a cellphone livestream.
Sue Bird @S10BirdThis is amazing 🤩😄. I hope you got that mophie! https://t.co/Ng5GuV6JEH
That was better than nothing, though, and allowed viewers to see Reese in a Sky uniform for the first time. The initial returns are encouraging.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportAngel Reese ➡️ Kamilla Cardoso 😤
(via @chicagosky)
pic.twitter.com/d7gob0gm86
I talk hoops 🏀 @trendyhoopstarsAngel Reese in her first-ever WNBA game;
13 PTS
9 RBS
2 STL
1 BLK
9-10 FT
The future is bright! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/CTPsuycY8E
Women’s Hoops Network @WomensHoops_USAAngel Reese in double digits for her WNBA debut 🔥 pic.twitter.com/X1omsFhAWV
aysia @aysiacchanellangel reese tonight
13 PTS
9 REBOUNDS
2 STEALS
1 BLOCK
first ever game as a pro so proud of her she’s gonna continue to get better everyday! pic.twitter.com/pzVcJS6Xgo
bringmepicturesofnketiah @our_plxnshe’s so good, i wish people would stop pinning her against caitlin. these two can be the wnba’s class of ’03. https://t.co/Hl9QMDuPGY
The Reese Effect 👑 @TheReeseEffectMake no mistake, Angel Reese is HERE. https://t.co/QOBKVXyd52
The preseason clash underlined how both Reese and the Sky are a work in progress, though. She shot 2-of-8 from the floor, committed five fouls, and had two turnovers to just one assist. Chicago, meanwhile, never led and allowed Minnesota to shoot 52.9 percent from the field.
The Sky are in the midst of a full-scale rebuild with first-year head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after having traded away 2021 WNBA Finals MVP Kahleah Copper.
Of the 11 players to see the floor for the Sky, three are draft picks (Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Brynna Maxwell) and another two are on training camp contracts (Kysre Gondrezick and Chennedy Carter) while attempting WNBA comebacks.
The upside for Reese is that she should have ample opportunity to play and work through her inevitable adjustment period in the pros.
