Angel Reese’s remarkable rookie season with the Chicago Sky has been cut short due to injury. On Saturday, Reese announced that she will miss the rest of the WNBA season after sustaining a “season-ending injury.” While she didn’t specify the nature or timing of the injury, the Sky confirmed it was a wrist injury, which occurred during Chicago’s 92-78 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday.
“What a year,” Reese expressed in a heartfelt statement shared on social media. “I’m overwhelmed with emotions knowing my season has ended due to injury, but I’m also filled with gratitude for what lies ahead. Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I’m finally able to give myself a well-deserved physical and mental break.”
In her final game, Reese delivered a standout performance, tallying a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds, marking her 26th double-double in 34 games this season. She shot an impressive 9-of-15 from the field and hit 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, including a critical three-pointer late in the game. Reflecting on that shot, Reese said, “I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a three, but maybe that was God’s way of giving them a taste of what’s to come in Year 2.”
Reese concludes her rookie season with record-breaking numbers. She averaged 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, leading the league in total rebounds (13.1) and offensive rebounds per game (5.1). She also set a WNBA single-season record for the most total rebounds (446). Reese’s 15-game double-double streak broke a WNBA record for the most consecutive games with a double-double since Candace Parker’s 12-game streak between 2009 and 2010. Additionally, she earned a spot as a WNBA All-Star and delivered a double-double during the All-Star Game victory over the U.S. women’s national team. As of Tuesday, she ranked second in USA TODAY Sports’ WNBA Rookie of the Year power rankings.
“Through all the ups and downs, I’ve proven that I belong in this league, even when others doubted me,” Reese said. Drafted seventh overall out of LSU after leading the Tigers to the Elite Eight, Reese reflected on her journey: “All I ever wanted was to make an impact in the WNBA, and I can confidently say I’ve done that. I will keep striving to do more.”
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