Angel Reese Sets WNBA Double-Double Record as Rookie Sensation

Chicago Sky's rookie star Angel Reese has quickly made her mark in the WNBA, setting a new standard for rookie performance.

In Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, Reese scored 19 points and achieved a career-high of 20 rebounds, although the Sky fell 86-68.

This achievement made Reese the fastest player in WNBA history to record 20 double-doubles, a feat accomplished in just 27 games.

Reese, 22 years old and the 7th overall pick in this year's draft, has been a dominant force on the boards, recording double-digit rebounds in 20 consecutive games.

New heights for the Barbie 📈

In today’s game vs. Phoenix, Angel Reese became the fastest player in WNBA History to reach 20 double-doubles in a season!#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/W1YXo8YWCi

— WNBA (@WNBA) August 19, 2024

Her performance on Sunday brought her within two double-doubles of tying both the Chicago Sky’s single-season record, set by Sylvia Fowles in 2011, and the WNBA rookie record, established by Tina Charles in 2010.

Over her first 27 games, all of which she started, Reese has been averaging 13.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 31.9 minutes per game.

Her shooting accuracy stands at 39.8% from the field, 20% from beyond the arc, and 73.2% from the free-throw line.

Reese’s impact was particularly felt during Chicago’s 88-84 win against the Seattle Storm on July 5th.

In that game, she notched a career-high 27 points, alongside 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks in just 30 minutes on the court.

She shot an impressive 61.5% from the floor, including two successful three-pointers, and made nine out of ten free throws.

The 6-foot-3 forward has also led the WNBA in total rebounds, offensive rebounds, and rebounds per game in her rookie season.

On July 2nd, in a match against the Atlanta Dream, Reese set another personal best with 14 defensive rebounds, finishing the game with 12 points, 19 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks in 36 minutes.

Reese's rookie season statistics are remarkable, with her leading the league in total rebounds (332), offensive rebounds (135), and rebounds per game.

Additionally, she ranks fourth in defensive rebounds (197), seventh in free throws made (104), and sixth in free throw attempts (142).

Chicago Sky’s head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, had previously mentioned that this season would be a learning experience for the younger players.

“For everybody, it’s a learning process. [I’m] learning. They’re learning, [and] they’re growing,” Weatherspoon said. “Knowing what they can do and what they can’t do.”

However, it’s clear that Angel Reese is ahead of the curve, learning and excelling at a rapid pace.

Meanwhile, on Friday night, Indiana Fever’s rookie Caitlin Clark made her own history by becoming the first WNBA player to record at least 50 points and 25 assists over any two-game span.

Despite the loss to Phoenix, Chicago (11-16) remains competitive in the standings, currently sitting 1.5 games behind the No. 7-seeded Indiana Fever, with one more game remaining in their season series against the Mercury.