“The Best Rookie”: Being a Roadblock in Breanna Stewart’s Way, Angel Reese Earns Fans’ Trust With Another Impressive Display

Angel Reese is providing valid ground for why she is ESPN’s top rookie of the opening week. In an enthralling battle against last year’s WNBA runners-up, the Chi-Barbie exhibited a supreme brand of basketball at the Barclays Center. A glimpse of that was witnessed by the crowd in the opening quarter itself.

The first piece of action that the phenomenal rookie was involved in was the conversion of two free throws that opened the account for the visitors. Anyhow, it was what followed 5 minutes after created immense buzz among her followers. With just 3:37 left for the first break and the home team trailing by 2 points, the 2× WNBA Finals MVP Breanna Stewart was looking to get the score on level terms. However, she couldn’t get past the three-time All-American forward Angel Reese as a fantastic steal resulted in Stewart’s first turnover of the night.

The spectacular display of her talent was on display throughout the fixture. After tying the first quarter, Reese played a significant role in giving Chicago an upper hand for the majority of the evening. Moreover, her contributions also laid the foundation for the Sky having a 14-point lead in the penultimate quarter. Eventually, Chicago won the contest 90-81 with Reese compiling 13 points and 9 rebounds. These numbers ended up being the second-best in Chicago’s locker room.

Following this, fans have flooded the social media applauding the skills of the 22-year-old.

Angel Reese applauded for standing up against Breanna Stewart and Co.

One of them compared her with Caitlin Clark and pointed out that Reese’s run was better than that of her adversary. The fan wrote, “Angel Reese’s rookie run is going greater than Caitlin Clark’s right now.” The Indiana Fever guard takes the lead in points, averaging 17.8 while Reese takes the win in rebounds with 8.5 on board. The two have been on par, surpassing each other every game.

In addition to this, some stated that Angel Reese is the best among all in the 2024 rookie class. The comment read, “Angel Reese currently the best rookie.” Clark indeed has had a wavering run so far into the league, landing her first single digit point since 2021 and recording 10 turnovers, the highest for the franchise. Reese has remained rather consistent, almost posting a double-double twice.

Angel Reese’s aura was majestic at the Barclays Center. The fans didn’t miss out on that as one of them wrote, “The aura on this Angel Reese steal was insane.” 

Meanwhile, the 5× WNBA All-Star could only score 3 points in the opening 18 minutes of the game. Consequently, some of the credit for this update was directed towards Reese. Citing her leadership, marketability and winning attitude, one X user demanded the same attention that Caitlin Clark is getting. He commented, “Angel Reese should be getting the same attention!!!! She plays both ends of the court is a leader, marketable and more importantly she’s a proven winner!!! 

Some comments also stated how Reese is dominating the court against the second-best team in the league despite being a rookie. One of them read, “Not yall going in on angel Reese, she’s literally a rookie and NY is the second-best team in the league.” Give those young women a chance lmao.”

It appears that Reese’s vibes are matching with that of the franchise. More often than not, the 2024 SEC Player of the Year is stepping up and delivering for her team. As a result, Chicago is turning out to be one of the teams to watch out for in the Eastern Conference.