When Angel Reese flips the switch, it becomes crystal clear why you should never count out someone carrying both a chip on their shoulder and a history book in hand. Because if anyone could challenge Caitlin Clark for Rookie of the Year, it’s the rebounding queen herself. And not just for leading the league with an average of 13 rebounds per game, but for making history with 15 consecutive double-doubles. Again, not just rookie history, but WNBA history. So, while the season didn’t exactly start with fireworks as the Sky entered their matchup against Phoenix dragging a three-game losing streak, they made sure they didn’t walk away without saying “just wait“.
Across the first three regular-season games, the biggest surprise—and letdown—was Angel Reese’s own performance. She just couldn’t find her rhythm. The rock bottom came during the team’s tough loss to the New York Liberty. Reese went 0-for-8 from the field and had no field goals to her name—for the first time in W career. But if there’s one thing we know about Reese, it’s that she doesn’t stay down for long.
She bounced back in a big way in the next game against the L.A. Sparks, putting up a solid double-double: 13 points and 12 rebounds in 32 minutes. It was the spark she and the Sky desperately needed. And then came her redemption game. Tonight versus Mercury, she once again went off, this time posting another double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds. But this wasn’t just another stat line. It was history as this season’s rebounding leader officially became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds in just 38 games. While the Sky still came up short, losing a close one 94–89, Reese’s milestone was enough to quiet the critics and reignite her fanbase.
Another milestone for Angel Reese
The sophomore becomes the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500+ PTS and 500+ REB — doing it in just 38 games.
She breaks the previous record held by Tina Charles (44 games). #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/77tU4nW3r5
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 28, 2025
And when you realize the previous record-holder was none other than Connecticut Sun legend Tina Charles, who reached the 500/500 mark in 44 games, it puts Reese’s achievement into perspective. This wasn’t just expected dominance. It was accelerated greatness. With 502 points and 502 rebounds now across her two W seasons, Angel Reese is proving her place among the elite. So naturally, when she made history, fans didn’t waste a second. Now you can guess the responses they had!
How did Angel Reese supporters shut down the ‘stat padding’ critics?
For fans, seeing #5 of Chicago back in dominance mode was an exciting surprise. So, they didn’t hold back from celebrating her success in the comment section. “The real reason we watch the WNBA #AR5!!” wrote a user on X. This sentiment likely echoed among her 689.9K Twitter followers—especially since Reese never fails to deliver, time and time again. Just consider that, for the second straight year, she’s leading the league with 14 rebounds per game, according to the W’s latest rankings—and we’re just ten days into the season.
“She’s having a hell of a game,” added another user. While it took her a little while to find her rhythm, the last two games have shown she’s back in control. Over four games, she’s recorded three double-doubles. She shot 77.8% from the free-throw line in a game versus the Phoenix Mercury, and just two days earlier, she went a perfect 3-for-3 (100%) from the line against the LA Sparks. As her rookie season proved, once Reese locks in, there’s no looking back.
“Wow, that’s quick—you’re doing great!” commented another fan. Even last year, she didn’t post a 20+ rebound game until July. But once she did, it became a common sight. Reese ended the season with 446 rebounds—the most ever by a rookie in a single WNBA season—including 172 offensive rebounds, also a league record.
“She is 43% within 5 feet of the basket. Five feet. That’s it. 5…43%…wow,” noted another user. While the tone was sarcastic, it highlighted a key point: offensive rebounding. It’s one of the most fundamental actions on the court, yet executing it consistently takes a rare combination of instincts, strength, and tenacity—traits Reese seems to have in her veins. It runs in the family, too. Her mother was also a standout rebounder, leading UMBC in boards during her college days.
May 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts during the first half agaisnt the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
So, Reese continuing to dominate in that area isn’t surprising. But it’s the way she does it that makes all the difference. “32% of Reese’s rebounds come from her own missed shots or after getting blocked. She’s also had her shot blocked more than any player in WNBA history,” another user pointed out. While critical, that stat only emphasizes how relentless Reese is. Even when denied, she stays engaged and fights for second-chance opportunities. Just consider how she’s been a historic force on the boards ever since she fell to No. 7 in the draft and joined the Sky. And there’s no doubt—it’s her offensive rebounding that has everyone talking. “I think most of us that were the talent scouts knew that [offensive rebounding] is a translatable skill, and that she would come into the league doing that every single day—and she has,” said Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, backing her up.
That’s high praise, especially coming from someone with Reeve’s experience. She coached two of the best offensive rebounders in league history—Rebekkah Brunson and Sylvia Fowles. So, it’s no surprise the Sky are gaining a major advantage from Reese’s presence under the rim. With just four games into the season, Chicago ranks fifth in second-chance points across the league, averaging nearly nine fast-break points. But the big question remains—will that be enough to help the winless Sky break through and secure their first victory of the season?
The post No Better Day For Angel Reese Fans as Chicago Sky Star Breaks Tina Charles’ WNBA Record in 6 Fewer Games appeared first on EssentiallySports.