Chi-Towns Angel, Reese

Making her highly anticipated WNBA debut, the polarizing phenom that is Angel Reese impressed a sold-out arena of fans and naysayers alike. Flirting with a double-double, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, Angel Reese, scored 12 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and two turnovers on 5-14 shooting (35.7%) in 26 minutes. Reese, a 2x First-Team All-American, who led the LSU Tigers to their first national championship in program history, showed flashes of that same greatness we’ve grown accustomed to seeing on display during her LSU days. Struggling from the free throw line, Reese shot 2-8, only making 28% of her attempts, leaving much to be desired. Reese had a shaky start before finding her footing, as she slated only one point, one rebound, and one assist in her first 13 minutes of action and did not score her first basket until 9:43 in the 3rd quarter. Reese then went on to score 10 more points in her remaining 13 minutes of play.

Despite the Chicago Sky's 87-79 loss to the Dallas Wings, the team's learning process was a highlight. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon's post-game comments emphasized this, saying, "It's a learning process for everybody… It's just learning. Learning and growing. Knowing what they can do and what they can't do. This is what it is, this is a learning process. Our girls went out and competed tonight. They competed, we just came up a little bit short because of the things that we are learning down the stretch. You learn how to win, that's where we are. We are learning how to win." This emphasis on learning and growth should instill optimism in the audience about the team's future performances. 

For the majority of the game, it was a nip-and-tuck thriller, with both teams showing supreme determination and resilience. Up until late in the fourth quarter, it seemed as though Chicago would steal the road win and leave victorious. That is until Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings put her foot down and asserted her veteran dominance. She finished with a game-high 25 points, three rebounds, and seven assists and reminded us of the impact veterans can have during tight contests. 

For Chicago, Reese was one of five players to score double-digits for the Sky. While Marina Mabrey led Chicago with 19 points and nine rebounds. The competitiveness of this game definitely kept the fans and viewers engaged while building excitement about future matchups.

As part of the WNBA’s plan to cut down on travel and maximize WNBA scheduling, The Chicago Sky will play the Dallas Wings once again this Saturday, while Angel Reese’s home debut will have to wait until the Connecticut Sun come to Chi-town on May 25.

With time, it’s safe to say Angel Reese and the incoming 2024 draft class will surely find their footing and make the WNBA their home.

Will Angel Reese win Rookie of the Year? Comment your thoughts below!