Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese Ruled Out for WNBA Season with Wrist Injury

Angel Reese, a rising star for the Chicago Sky, has announced that her rookie season has come to an end due to a wrist injury. The team confirmed the news on social media Saturday night, marking a disappointing conclusion to what has been a remarkable debut year.

In her farewell message, Reese expressed pride in her accomplishments. “What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3, but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol,” she wrote. She continued, “Through it all, I have shown that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so.”

Reese was selected as the No. 7 pick in the draft and quickly established herself as a formidable force on the court. Over the course of the season, she averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. This rebounding average is historic, representing the highest in WNBA history for a single season. Additionally, Reese set a rookie record with an impressive 26 double-doubles, her last occurring in a 92-78 victory against Los Angeles.

The storyline of Reese’s season has been closely intertwined with that of fellow rookie Caitlin Clark from Indiana, particularly after their memorable matchup in the NCAA championship two years ago, where Reese’s LSU team emerged victorious. Both players have significantly contributed to the WNBA’s surge in popularity this season, positively impacting television ratings, attendance, and merchandise sales.

During the season, Reese showcased her talent by breaking several records. She notably completed 15 consecutive games with a double-double, a feat that set a new league record. Furthermore, she surpassed Sylvia Fowles’ long-standing record of 404 total rebounds by finishing this season with 446 rebounds, which includes a staggering 172 on the offensive end. To put this achievement into perspective, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson recorded 406 rebounds this season.

The Chicago Sky find themselves in a tight race for the last remaining playoff spot, currently tied with Atlanta for the eighth position. Their next game is set against the Dallas Wings, scheduled for Sunday. The stakes are high as the team pushes for a place in the postseason, showcasing the importance of every game in this critical stretch.

Looking ahead, Reese is slated to participate in the upcoming 3-on-3 league called Unrivaled, which is scheduled to kick off this winter in Miami. This opportunity will allow her to continue showcasing her skills and maintaining her presence in competitive basketball while she recuperates from her injury.

As Reese reflects on her rookie season, her determination and achievements have undoubtedly laid a strong foundation for her future in the league. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how she builds on this success in her second year, especially after a rookie season that has set numerous benchmarks in the WNBA.