Angel Reese’s historic rookie year has come to an end.
The first-year star announced over social media that she will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Reese was initially listed as questionable with a wrist injury heading into the Sky’s battle with the Dallas Wings on Sunday.
“What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol
Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed,” Angel Reese said. “All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so. I’m filled with emotions right now that I have a season ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next. Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break. ‘God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.’ You’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader on the sideline! And Unrivaled league, see you soon!”
The news comes one night after Reese posted 24 points and 12 points in a much-needed victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. Chicago is currently in a tight race for the postseason with the Atlanta Dream, who currently owns an identical 12-22 record on the season. The only reason the Sky sit ahead of the Dream is because of their advantage in the regular season series.
Indeed, holding onto that final playoff spot without Reese will prove quite difficult over the final six games. She had averaged 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in her 34 contests. The 22-year-old was in the thick of a record-breaking rookie campaign, shattering the all-time single-season record for double-doubles.
The Sky will now look for Chennedy Carter and rookie Kamilla Cardoso to carry the load and keep Chicago in the postseason picture.