Angel Reese’s historic rookie season has come to an unexpected end, weeks earlier than anticipated. The Chicago Sky forward announced on Saturday that she will miss the remainder of the season due to a wrist injury sustained in Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks. This announcement was later confirmed by the team.
Despite her early exit, Reese’s remarkable performance on the court ensures she will finish her first WNBA season with the highest single-season rebound total in league history—not just among rookies, but all players. Reese has accumulated 446 rebounds, placing her ahead of Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, who currently has 406 rebounds with six games remaining in the regular season. Reese’s record remains in jeopardy, but she has nonetheless set a new benchmark.
In addition to her rebound record, Reese has made history by achieving the most consecutive double-doubles in the WNBA (10) and setting a new rookie record for total double-doubles in a season (26). Had she played in the remaining games, she was on track to challenge Alyssa Thomas’s record of 28 double-doubles.
Under normal circumstances, Reese’s outstanding statistics would have made her the clear favorite for Rookie of the Year. However, this season has also seen fierce competition from Caitlin Clark, whose own record-breaking performances have made the award race one of the most competitive in league history. Many believed the award was Clark’s to lose, and Reese’s absence from the final games only strengthens Clark’s chances.
Regardless of the award outcome, Reese’s debut season has been an overwhelming success. Despite initial skepticism about her transition from LSU to the WNBA, concerns regarding her offensive capabilities and size—standing at 6-foot-3—quickly diminished. Originally selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Reese quickly established herself as a dominant force through her elite rebounding and defensive prowess.
Reese’s impact has not only silenced critics but also elevated her status as a central figure for the Chicago Sky, who currently hold a 12-22 record. Though her season has been cut short, her contributions have been significant, proving her ability to excel at the highest level of women’s basketball.
