Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky achieved her 10th straight double-double during a July 22 game against the Minnesota Lynx, marking an unprecedented milestone in WNBA history. This feat makes her the first player to record more than one streak of at least 10 consecutive games with a double-double, highlighting her consistency and dominance inside the paint. Reese’s ongoing success in rebounding has become a defining aspect of her impact on the league.
Reese’s Rebounding Skill Earns League-Wide Recognition
Reese’s prowess on the boards is widely recognized, establishing her not only as the best rebounder currently active in the WNBA but also placing her among the greatest rebounders in women’s basketball history. Despite her clear ability, some critics have attempted to downplay her rebounding contributions by claiming she only collects offensive rebounds from her own missed shots. However, an examination of her overall performance and statistics contradicts those claims, demonstrating her comprehensive skill set.
Sheryl Swoopes Responds to Critics of Reese’s Rebounding
WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes addressed the ongoing criticism of Angel Reese’s rebounding during a July 15 appearance on the Gil’s Arena podcast. Swoopes emphasized that while Reese may not score 30 points each night by running the offense, her rebounding deserves respect and proper defensive attention. She challenged defenders to “box her out” as the fundamental tactic to prevent Reese from securing rebounds.
Angel knows from an offensive standpoint, she’s not the player that’s just gonna come down and give you 30 a night, just from running an offense. But people want to talk about, ‘Well, a lot of rebounds are her own misses.’ Well, box her a** out!
—Sheryl Swoopes, WNBA Legend
Aren’t you taught to go follow your shot and get your rebound? If you don’t want her to get her own rebound, box her out!
—Sheryl Swoopes, WNBA Legend
Projecting Reese’s Impact Moving Forward
Experts and commentators foresee Angel Reese continuing her dominant trajectory. During the same podcast, speculation about her fourth season included potential averages of 22 points and 18 rebounds per game, a performance level that could lead her team toward winning seasons and solidify her status as an MVP candidate. Reese’s development remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike as she reshapes expectations for elite rebounders in the league.
“Season 4 [Angel] is going to be sitting at 22 pts & 18 rebs. If the team is winning, MVP.”
—Gil’s Arena Podcast Crew
The Broader Significance of Reese’s Rebounding Excellence
For those who continue to challenge the legitimacy of Angel Reese’s rebounding achievements, the evidence suggests other motivations may be at play. Her performance stands out not just statistically but in the influence it has on games and outcomes. Reese’s ability to control the boards has become a critical asset for the Chicago Sky and a benchmark that other players aspire to reach. Her streak and growing reputation illustrate how pivotal rebounding can be to individual success and team results in the WNBA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Reese explained in a TikTok video on Sunday night, “I fell on my hand during a play which caused a small crack in my bone.” She added that the doctors informed her she could choose between having surgery or not.
Q. Did Angel Reese get a degree?
A. Reese attended Louisiana State University, where she focused on interdisciplinary studies. She also studied communications at the University of Maryland, College Park. At LSU, she completed her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, including areas like Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology.
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s wrist injury?
A. Reese explained in a TikTok video posted Sunday night that she hurt her hand when she fell after scoring an and-1. She mentioned there is a small crack in her bone.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Basketball is a family tradition for Angel. Both her parents played the sport in college. Her mom even played professionally in Luxembourg. “She’s always been self-reliant and taught me to be the same,” Angel mentioned in a January 2023 interview with Just Women’s Sports.