Angel Reese’s Season-Ending News Stirs Heavy Support From Sherly Swoopes, Gilbert Arenas & WNBA World

Angel Reese’s remarkable rookie season came to a halt as she suffered a wrist injury against the Sparks on September 6. The Chicago Sky star scored 24 points, collected 12 rebounds, and had two assists in 32 minutes of action in what proved to be her final game of the year. Even though she broke a number of records this season, her injury means she will fall just shy of breaking Alyssa Thomas’ double-doubles record in a single season. But the Chi-Town Barbie has support from the WNBA fraternity including her rival Caitlin Clark.

Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds while recording 26 double-doubles in 34 starts during her inaugural WNBA season. She set the record for most rebounds in a season, finishing with 446, surpassing Sylvia Fowles’ 404. A contender for Rookie of the Year, she will be badly missed by the Chicago Sky as they fight for one of the league’s final playoff spots.

The news of Reese’s injury was confirmed by Sky on September 7 and later the LSU product took to X to share her feelings about the situation. She wrote, “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. Through it all, I have showed 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.”

Her rookie record of 26 double-doubles is just two behind Alyssa Thomas’s 28 achieved in the 2023 season. Reese’s performances earned her the WNBA Rookie of the Month award in June and the Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors in Week 7.

In the 92-78 winning game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Reese exited the court with 3:20 left on the clock for a timeout, after scoring a 25-foot three-pointer. But Brianna Turner would enter in her stead when the roster got back on the court. 

In her X post, she further noted, “I’m filled with emotions right now that I have a season ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next. Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break… You’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader on the sideline! And Unrivaled league, see you soon!” 

The remaining games Angel Reese will miss in the regular season.

• 9 Sept Dallas @ Chicago
• 12 Sept Washington @ Chicago
• 14 Sept Chicago @ Minnesota
• 16 Sept Phoenix @ Chicago
• 18 Sept Chicago @ Atlanta
• 20 Sept Chicago @ Connecticut

Reese’s debut season also saw her break the record for consecutive double-doubles (15) and become the fastest player to ever reach 20 double-doubles in a career. Although out of action for the remainder of the year, she is still expected to turn up for  Unrivaled, a new 3×3 league in January.

Her untimely injury is upsetting for the Sky fans and many in the WNBA community came out in their support of the rookie.

Chicago face tall order with Reese out of action as Caitlin Clark “sad” at fellow rookie’s injury

Reese has been competing with Caitlin Clark ever since their college days at LSU and Iowa respectively. They have played four times against each other in the WNBA so far, with Clark’s Fever 3-1 ahead of Reese’s Sky. The two are known to be fierce competitors on the court but have respect for each other. This was evident when Clark addressed Reese’s unfortunate injury.

Talking to the media before the game against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, Clark said, “It’s definitely sad anytime you see anybody go down with an injury, especially people you came into the league with — whether it’s Cam (Brink), whether it was Angel. Especially with Angel, you want to see her finish out this year. She’s had an historic year and done some incredible things.”

Clark further expressed, “She just doesn’t stop working. … I thought she had a tremendous year, and I thought she came to the league and really did what she’s done well her entire career, as long as I’ve known her. So it’s definitely devastating. That’s never anything you want to see from a player.”

Reese has been on quite a tear since she was picked seventh overall by Chicago Sky in the draft. In addition to the total rebounds record, she is also the offensive rebounds leader with 172. She is also the first player in WNBA history to record multiple games of 10 or more offensive rebounds and 10 or more defensive rebounds. Reese also broke the all-time rookie record for consecutive games with 10 or more rebounds.

Gilbert Arenas was among the notable figures to send out his wishes first. Impressed by Reese’s rebounding record, he gave the rookie her flowers, while optimistically noting that the rookie will have a chance to break her own record next year. “She has the single season rebound record and now shes out which means (next season) she has wiggle room to break her own record,” the former Washington Wizards’ star wrote.

Sympathizing with her situation, Swoopes cheered Reese on and wrote, “Damn kid! Keep your head up and know that it’s all a part of God’s plan. You have truly been remarkable this season! #minorsetbackforamajorcomeback.”

The injury comes at a challenging time for Chicago Sky. The franchise is currently tied with the Atlanta Dream for eighth place and the final playoff spot in the WNBA standings. With Reese out of action and just six regular season games to go, Chicago can hardly afford a slip-up.

Reese had formed a formidable partnership with center Kamilla Cardoso, another draft pick for the Sky. Back in July against the Dream, the pair became the first rookies in WNBA history to record a double-double in the same game three times in a single season.

Two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson also showed her support for the rookie, leaving two white heart emojis in Reese’s post’s comment section. The news did not evade Tennis star Coco Gauff either who offered mental support to Reese, expressing “So proud of you!!!” 

Reese’s news means she is the second rookie this year to suffer a season-ending injury. LA Spark rookie Cameron Brink suffered a torn ACL in June.

Among Reese’s teammates, Elizabeth Williams hyped up her rookie, writing, “League changer. Your future is bright, Angel.” Having performed exceptionally, Reese was going for the Rookie of the Year award. “This is just the beginning for you! You should be so proud!” Michaela Onyenwere also dropped.

Dwyane Wade‘s wife Gabrielle Union also took to X to show her support and wrote, “So proud of you!!! @chicagosky.” Looking at the positives of this event, Reese had expressed that she is grateful or some mental and physical. After recently revealing the horrid experiences of hate, fans seem to agree with the rookie, assuring her unending support.

“You’re incredible. Take your mental and physical break, and don’t rush your process. You’re so loved! Until then, we can’t wait for Season 2.”

Reese has all the blessings she will need. “God will heal, and you will be back better than ever!!!!” an IG follower wrote. An incredible season cut short for the 22-year-old, but as she said, she just gave a taste of what is to come ahead.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.