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Angel Reese made a splash in the WNBA after a stellar college career, including two All-American honors, SEC Player of the Year, and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player while playing for the LSU Tigers.
Despite initial doubts about her transition to the WNBA, Reese proved herself as a top rookie for the Chicago Sky in the 2024 season. She earned a spot in the All-Star team, competed for Rookie of the Year, and won the WNBA Rookie of the Month in June.
Unfortunately, Reese’s rookie season came to an end due to a wrist injury during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks. In her final game, she achieved her record-breaking 26th double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, scoring a three-pointer for her final basket.
Reese set multiple WNBA records during her debut season. Here’s a breakdown of the records she broke:
Angel Reese’s Historic Season
Which WNBA records did Angel Reese break?
– Rebound Average: Reese finished the season with an average of 13.1 rebounds per game, potentially the highest in WNBA history.
– Total Rebounds: Reese collected 446 rebounds, surpassing Sylvia Fowles’ record of 404 rebounds.
– Total Offensive Rebounds: Reese secured 172 offensive rebounds.
– Games with 10-Plus Rebounds: Reese became the first player in WNBA history to have multiple games with 10+ offensive and defensive rebounds. She also set a rookie record for consecutive games with 10+ rebounds.
– Consecutive Double-Doubles: Reese achieved 15 consecutive double-doubles.
– Total Double-Doubles for a Rookie: Reese ended the season with 26 double-doubles, a rookie record. Alyssa Thomas holds the single-season record with 28 double-doubles.
– Consecutive 20-Plus Rebounds Games: Reese recorded three consecutive games with 20+ rebounds.
Which Chicago Sky Franchise Records Did Angel Reese Break?
– Best Rebounding Start: Reese collected 43 rebounds in her first five games, marking the best start for a Chicago Sky player.
– Double Figures: Reese was the first rookie in Chicago history to score in double figures in each of her first five games.
– Single-Game Rebounds: Reese tied the Sky’s record with a career-high 22 rebounds in a single game.
– The 20-Points, 15-Rebounds Game: Reese is the only rookie in team history to achieve 20+ points and 15+ rebounds in a single game.
Angel Reese’s Impact on WNBA Viewership
The success of players like Reese has contributed to the rise in WNBA viewership. The league’s popularity has grown significantly, with a 170% increase in viewership compared to the 2023 season, according to ESPN.
Games featuring Reese have set new viewership records, including the most-watched WNBA game in 23 years when the Sky faced the Indiana Fever on June 25, drawing 2.3 million viewers.
Reese also played in the most-watched WNBA All-Star Game, averaging 3.44 million viewers. Her final matchup with Caitlin Clark garnered 1.6 million viewers on ION.
What’s the Next Step for Angel Reese?
Despite her rookie season ending early due to injury, Reese has shown immense potential. She finished the season with impressive averages of 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. With room for growth, Reese has a bright future ahead.
While it’s disappointing that Reese couldn’t finish the season and help the Sky in the playoffs, her potential as a long-term star in the league is undeniable.
Main Image: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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