Angel Reese returned to the court docket Tuesday evening and added one other milestone to her résumé, however her remarks earlier than tipoff left questions on her current absence.
Reese scored 19 factors on 9-of-13 capturing with seven rebounds and 4 assists in 26 minutes, because the Chicago Sky misplaced 94-88 to the Seattle Storm. It was her first sport since July 29 after lacking seven with a again harm.
Together with her twelfth level of the evening, Reese turned the quickest participant in WNBA historical past to achieve 800 profession factors and 700 rebounds, conducting the feat in 58 video games, in line with Throughout the Timeline. She handed Connecticut Solar ahead Tina Charles, who reached the mark in 62 video games in 2011, and former Sacramento Monarchs star Yolanda Griffith, who did so in 65.
Sky coach Tyler Marsh mentioned her return was felt instantly.
“[Reese] being again not solely provides to our versatility however our general really feel and confidence and morale of everybody round her,” Marsh mentioned.
Angel Reese Makes Document-Breaking Influence
Reese, the No. 7 choose within the 2024 draft, has shortly established herself as one of many league’s best rebounders. She averaged 13.6 factors and 13.1 rebounds as a rookie, breaking Candace Parker’s document for many consecutive double-doubles with 15.
This season, she has raised her averages to 14.4 factors, 12.3 rebounds and three.7 assists. Chicago is 7-17 with Reese within the lineup, however simply 1-9 with out her.
Her return towards Seattle gave the Sky a lift they’d lacked in current weeks. Chicago stored the sport shut late earlier than the Storm pulled away at hand the Sky their twenty fifth lack of the season.
Angel Reese’s Feedback Add Uncertainty
Reese, talking to reporters for the primary time since July, declined to present particulars about her restoration.
“I’ll converse on that after the season,” she mentioned. “Put all of the bulls— to the aspect, I wanna hoop.”
After the sport, she mirrored on her outing of motion.
“Sitting on the sidelines is not any enjoyable,” Reese mentioned. “Doing rehab each single day is not any enjoyable. Simply sitting determining what’s happening with myself. I discovered loads about myself for the final three, 4 weeks. However I’m simply tremendous grateful for everyone that was in my nook — my teammates, my coaches that have been right here for me by the entire course of.”
Her feedback come because the Sky proceed to navigate the franchise’s historical past of strained relationships with stars. Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne and Kahleah Copper all requested trades throughout their time in Chicago, whereas Candace Parker selected Las Vegas as her closing cease.
Marsh emphasised that his position is to assist Reese by her return.
“Angel’s able that not many people are in, on or off the court docket,” he mentioned. “A number of the issues that she offers with, we simply bought to be there to assist her. It’s laborious to place your self in her footwear at occasions for the stuff that comes her means.”
The Sky proceed their highway journey Thursday towards the New York Liberty.
