Second-year pro’s historic performance cements her rise in the WNBA

What began as another night of professional hoops turned into a defining moment for Angel Reese, the Loyola Chicago and LSU alumna. In her second WNBA season, Reese delivered a triple-double that will be remembered as one of the league’s most electric performances. Her stat line—27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists—carved her name into Minnesota’s Winnebago Arena record books and affirmed her emergence as a versatile force on the court.

A Defining Night in Minnesota

Reese’s milestone came during a road game against the Lynx, where she showcased a rare blend of scoring prowess, rebounding tenacity and court vision. Early in the second quarter, she orchestrated fast-break opportunities, dishing precise passes that led to easy baskets. By halftime, she had already tallied 15 points and eight rebounds, setting the stage for history.

Her impact extended beyond numbers: teammates rallied around her, feeding off her energy and confidence. The arena, known for its hostile home-court advantage, fell silent as Reese dominated every facet of play.

Reese’s Record-Breaking Performance

In achieving a triple-double, Reese joined an exclusive list of WNBA players. Her performance ranks among the top statistical feats of the past decade, standing alongside legendary displays from Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles. The night’s key statistics:

• 27 points scored through a combination of mid-range jumpers and powerful drives
• 11 rebounds gathered on both ends of the floor, showcasing her relentless motor
• 10 assists dished to teammates in rhythm, highlighting her developing playmaking skills

This balanced contribution underscores Reese’s evolution from a dominant post player in college to a complete professional.

A Journey From NCAA Spotlight to WNBA

Reese’s trajectory began on the South Side of Chicago, where she led her high school team to state championships. At Loyola, she earned freshman All-American honors before transferring to LSU. In Baton Rouge, she starred in back-to-back Final Fours, culminating in a national championship game appearance.

Drafted eighth overall by the Chicago Sky in 2024, Reese faced the dual challenges of adapting to pro basketball and living up to a storied collegiate legacy. Her rookie season laid the groundwork, with flashes of her rebounding dominance and an expanding offensive repertoire. This season, she has become Chicago’s cornerstone, balancing scoring and facilitating in ways few expected so soon.

Impact Beyond the Stat Sheet

Reese’s influence reaches far beyond the hardwood. She has leveraged her platform to advocate for youth sports access in underresourced neighborhoods, partnering with local organizations to provide equipment and clinics. Her leadership off the court mirrors her on-court tenacity: both are driven by a commitment to uplift her community.

In Minnesota, she organized an impromptu youth shootaround before tip-off, inspiring a new generation of players. Local coaches noted her accessibility and genuine interest in young athletes’ development, further solidifying her role as a community ambassador.

Statistical Milestones and Highlights

Reese’s triple-double represents just one peak in a season marked by consistent excellence. Other notable achievements include:

1. Averaging a double-double (points and rebounds) in multiple back-to-back games
2. Ranking among the league’s top five in offensive rebounds per game
3. Recording five games with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds
4. Demonstrating improved free-throw accuracy, shooting over 80 percent

These milestones reflect a player expanding her skill set and embracing new responsibilities as a primary option on offense.

The Road Ahead for Reese

As the Sky push toward playoff contention, Reese’s historic night serves as both a statement and a springboard. Opponents will game-plan to contain her, but her versatility makes her difficult to guard. Whether posting up in the paint, sprinting the wings for cuts or finding cutters from the elbow, she demands attention across the court.

Chicago’s coaching staff has praised her work ethic and resilience, predicting further breakthroughs as she refines her decision-making and shot selection. With the season’s midpoint approaching, Reese stands not only as a statistical standout but as a symbol of the Sky’s championship aspirations.