Sky’s Angel Reese becomes fastest to 20 double-doubles in loss

PHOENIX — Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese tallied 19 points and a career-high 20 rebounds in the 86-68 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. She achieved this feat faster than any other player in WNBA history, recording 20 double-doubles.

The seventh overall draft pick has now secured double-digit rebounds in 20 consecutive games and set the double-double record after just 27 games. Reese is only two double-doubles away from matching the Sky single-season record set by Sylvia Fowles in 2011 and the WNBA rookie record set by Tina Charles in 2010.

The Sky (11-16) struggled from the start in Sunday’s game, with Diana Taurasi contributing 12 of her 23 points in Phoenix’s highest-scoring first quarter of the season, giving the Mercury a 32-19 lead.

Sophie Cunningham also had a standout performance with 13 points and a career-best 10 rebounds, marking her first double-double in the WNBA. Brittney Griner added 18 points, while Monique Billings, who signed a seven-day contract with Phoenix (15-13) on the same day, put up 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals in 23 minutes.

Phoenix dominated the game from the beginning, with Taurasi’s impressive plays leading the way. The Mercury won both games of the season series against the Sky, with one more game to go next month.

Chicago’s shooting struggled, with a 35.9% field goal percentage, 0-for-14 from beyond the arc, and a 12-of-21 performance from the free-throw line.

Overall, Phoenix emerged victorious in the matchup, but both teams had contrasting outcomes in their respective games prior to this one. Phoenix lost to the Indiana Fever, while Chicago secured a win against the Los Angeles Sparks.

This report includes information from the Associated Press.