Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese has announced that her debut season in the WNBA has been cut short due to an injury. In a heartfelt post shared on social media platform X, Reese expressed her disappointment but also her gratitude for the impact she’s already made in the league.
“All I have ever wanted was to come into the WNBA and make an impact,” Reese wrote on Saturday. “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 Reese didn’t provide specific details about the injury, the Chicago Sky later confirmed that a wrist issue, identified after their Friday night victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, was the cause. Despite the injury, Reese had delivered a stellar performance in that game, leading all players with 24 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 9-of-15 from the field in 32 minutes. Initially, Reese was listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Dallas Wings, but further medical evaluation determined that she would not return this season.
Reese’s rookie season has been nothing short of remarkable. The seventh overall pick in the WNBA Draft quickly established herself as a dominant force, shattering the league’s single-season rebounding record with 446 rebounds in 34 starts. This feat surpassed the previous record set by Sylvia Fowles in 2018, who had 404 rebounds. Reese’s historic performance put her in elite company, though Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson has since surpassed Fowles’ mark as well, now standing at 406 rebounds after her team’s recent win.
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Reese finishes her first season in the WNBA with impressive averages, posting a double-double of 13.6 points and a league-best 13.1 rebounds per game. Her outstanding performance earned her a spot in July’s WNBA All-Star Game, where she was one of only two rookies selected, joining fellow standout Caitlin Clark.
Despite Reese’s absence, the Chicago Sky are still in the hunt for a playoff berth.
Currently holding a 12-22 record, they sit in eighth place and are battling for the league’s final playoff spot. With six games remaining in the regular season, including tough matchups against the Connecticut Sun and the Minnesota Lynx, Chicago will have to push through without their rebounding powerhouse.
However, the return of leading scorer Chennedy Carter, who missed four games due to health and safety protocols, could provide the team with the offensive boost they need to stay competitive.
While Reese’s injury is undoubtedly a blow to both her and the Sky, her debut season has already solidified her as one of the WNBA’s rising stars, and her future in the league looks incredibly bright.
