Angel Reese announces she's out for season with injury, currently has most rebounds in WNBA history
Angel Reese announces she's out for season with injury, currently has most rebounds in WNBA history
Angel Reese’s rookie season with the Chicago Sky has come to an unexpected and early conclusion, as the 22-year-old forward announced that she will miss the remainder of the 2024 WNBA season due to a wrist injury. The injury, sustained during the team's game against the Los Angeles Sparks on September 6, 2024, will force her to sit out the final six games of the regular season, but her impact on the league has already been nothing short of monumental.
Reese, a former LSU star and the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, made the announcement via social media, sharing her emotions about the abrupt end to her first season in the league. In her heartfelt post, she reflected on the highs of her rookie campaign, highlighting her final bucket—a three-pointer—before expressing optimism for the future despite her injury:
"What a year. 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 lol 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. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so. 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. “God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.”
Despite the unfortunate timing of her injury, Reese’s rookie season has been a resounding success. In fact, she has set multiple records, cementing herself as one of the league’s most dominant young talents. Even with six games left on the Chicago Sky’s schedule, Reese currently holds the record for the most single-season rebounds in WNBA history, not just among rookies but for any player. She pulled down a staggering 446 rebounds, and the only player who might catch her is Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, who has 406 with six games remaining.
Reese’s dominance on the boards has been accompanied by other historic achievements. She set a WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles, registering 10 in a row, and she also broke the rookie record for total double-doubles in a season with 26. Although her injury will prevent her from surpassing Alyssa Thomas’ all-time record of 28 double-doubles in a season, Reese’s performance already ranks among the best in league history.
Her productivity has not only exceeded expectations but also silenced the doubts that surrounded her entry into the WNBA. At 6-foot-3, some analysts questioned whether Reese, known primarily for her rebounding and defense, could adapt to the faster pace and higher level of play in the professional league. Her offensive game was also a point of concern for critics who believed she might struggle to score against bigger, stronger opponents. These concerns led to her slipping to the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, despite being one of the most decorated players in college basketball.
Reese wasted no time in proving her critics wrong, quickly emerging as a cornerstone for the Chicago Sky. Her elite rebounding, tenacious defense, and growing offensive game made her a standout in the league. Many even viewed her as a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award—until her injury. However, the race for the award has been intensely competitive, with Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever making her own historic waves. Clark’s remarkable performances have made her the favorite for the honor, especially with Reese now sidelined for the remainder of the season.
The statistical battle between Reese and Clark has captivated WNBA fans. While Reese averaged 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, Clark posted 19 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. Both players have made an undeniable impact on their teams and the league, making the Rookie of the Year race one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Despite the setback, Reese has plenty to be proud of. She has not only proven that she belongs in the WNBA, but she has also emerged as the new face of the Chicago Sky. Her relentless work ethic and presence on the court helped the Sky stay competitive, even as they struggled through a tough season, sitting at 12-22 at the time of her injury.
Looking ahead, Reese is maintaining a positive outlook. In her announcement, she promised fans that she will be back stronger in Year 2 and that she will continue to cheer on her teammates from the sidelines. She also hinted at her participation in Unrivaled, a new league that offers top athletes opportunities outside of the WNBA’s regular season.
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