Angel Reeseās electrifying rookie season for the Chicago Sky has come to an abrupt and heartbreaking end due to a devastating wrist injury sustained in Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks. The 2024 No. 7 draft pick and LSU star, who has taken the WNBA by storm, now faces a premature conclusion to what could have been a record-breaking debut year.
“What a year,” Reese shared on social media Saturday. “I never imagined my rookie season would end with a 3-pointer as my last bucket, but maybe thatās God giving a preview of whatās to come in Year 2.”
Despite her disappointment, Reese expressed gratitude for the journey so far, acknowledging that this setback is part of a bigger plan. “Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I’m finally able to give myself a physical and mental break. ‘God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.'”
Reeseās impact on the court has been nothing short of sensational. With 26 double-doubles, the second-most in a single season in WNBA history, and a record-setting 15 consecutive double-doubles, she has cemented her status as a rising star. Averaging 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, Reese was an unstoppable force in the paint.
Her dominance earned her a well-deserved All-Star selection, making history alongside rival Caitlin Clark as the first pair of rookies to receive All-Star honors since 2014. Reese is only the fourth rookie All-Star in Chicago Sky history, and the first since 2013.
Before her injury, Reese was listed as questionable for the Sky’s upcoming game against the Dallas Wings. However, her absence now leaves a gaping hole in the Skyās lineup as they fight to secure the final WNBA playoff spot.
Reeseās doubters have been silenced this season, as her relentless motor and rebounding prowess shattered expectations. She made history by becoming the first player to record 20 or more rebounds in three consecutive games, amassing a jaw-dropping 446 rebounds across 34 games ā the most in a single WNBA season.
Off the court, Reese has also become a cultural icon, attracting new fans to the WNBA. With millions of followers on social media, appearances at the Met Gala, and collaborations with artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Latto, Reeseās influence extends far beyond basketball.
“Through it all, I have shown that I belong in this league even when no one else believed,” Reese wrote in her post. “I came into the WNBA to make an impact, and I can confidently say I’ve done that.”
Reeseās journey isnāt over, as she plans to participate in Unrivaled, the new 3×3 league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, launching in January.
For the Sky, who have endured a tumultuous second half of the season with a 2-8 record and are clinging to the eighth spot in the standings, Reeseās injury is a massive blow. As they push for the playoffs, they’ll have to do so without their rookie sensation.