As the WNBA heads into the final stretch of the regular season, the Rookie of the Year race is heating up like never before. Caitlin Clark has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the league in assists, but you can’t overlook Angel Reese, who’s on the cusp of breaking the single-season rebound record. Despite the fierce competition, the Chicago Sky rookie recently shared her thoughts on her journey toward the coveted ROTY title.

Just before taking the court in the game against the Minnesota Lynx, Angel Reese was involved in a quick chat session with

Sneaker Reporter. When she was asked about her impact on the game and ROTY, Reese said, “I mean, I was picked seven. I am not supposed to be in the Rookie of the Year conversation. But, I am because of how hard I work and not just offensively being able to beat this event and being able to rebound. Rebounding is something that you have to want to do. It’s not something that’s easy. And I don’t have anything in my life that’s been easy for me. So, I really enjoy doing it.”

Reese has averaged 12.9 rebounds per game and will have a chance to break the single-season rebound record when she faces the Minnesota Lynx. She just needs six more rebounds to achieve the milestone. The 22-year-old forward also stated,

“I really enjoy doing things that a lot of players don’t want to do. So, just being able to leave my impact on the game and doing something that will be a representation to me for a long time in this league is something I’m looking at.”

However, some critics have pointed out that a significant portion of Angel Reese’s rebounds come from her own missed shots, downplaying her impact. But, that detail hardly diminishes her outstanding rookie season. Reese’s relentless effort on the court has not only kept her in the spotlight but has also earned her additional support from media experts in the ROTY race.

Stephen A. Smith and Sheryl Swoopes defend Angel Reese amidst criticism

It’s Stephen A. Smith who recently declared his pick for the ROTY as he believed Reese deserves credit for her excellence. “

Reese is the only player in WNBA history with 3 consecutive 20 rebound games. I’m talking about Caitlin Clark. I love the sizzle, I love the ball handler, I love the passing ability, I love this shot-making ability. But, let’s give credit where credit is due. Angel Reese is showing she’s no joke either. I think she could win Rookie of the Year,” stated Stephen A. Smith.

In an earlier matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, Angel Reese made headlines by pulling down an incredible 22 rebounds,

marking a historic achievement as the first player to record 20-plus rebounds in three consecutive games. However, not all the attention was positive as Reese faced some criticism after she secured four consecutive rebounds, all stemming from her own missed shots. But the rookie had another big name to back her up!

The former WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes came right in the defense of the Sky rookie as she said, “W

ell, she’s getting a lot of these rebounds off of her own misses. Well, that’s what you’re taught to do. You’re taught to follow your shot. So, just in case you miss, you can get the offensive rebound and put it up.” As the WNBA season reaches its climax, all eyes are on Angel Reese. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with her historic achievements, cements her place as a top contender in the Rookie of the Year race.