Angel Reese sets WNBA rookie record amid Caitlin Clark controversy as the Chicago Sky break their losing streak
Angel Reese broke a WNBA record by securing her seventh consecutive double-double on Thursday as the Chicago Sky beat the Dallas Wings, 83-72.
Reese helped Chicago snap a four-game losing streak and set a new record for the most straight double-doubles by a rookie in the WNBA by combining her 16 points and season-high 18 rebounds.
Reese broke the records held by Tina Charles and Cindy Brown.
“It’s really exciting for me,” Reese said to ESPN following the victory. “I tell myself I’m doing a good job, but I have so much more to grow, and I’m just excited to be in this league,” I try to tell myself with some compassion.
The former LSU standout is on track to smash both the first-year player record and the overall record. WNBA record of 12 straight double-doubles held by Candace Parker.
Reese’s record-setting performance comes a week after her controversial play and remarks after losing to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on June 16.
In the third quarter of the matchup, Reese hit Clark in the head while attempting to block a layup from her college rival. Clark fell to the ground, visibly shaken, as Reese got charged with a flagrant 1.
Clark would get the last laugh as she recorded 23 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists to lead Indiana to a 91-83 win. The rookie sensation also went up 2-0 against Reese after a 71-70 victory over Chicago in their first professional meeting.
Postgame, Reese credited the excessive physicality towards Clark to her team playing hard. However, she received plenty of backlash for accusing referees of having a ‘special whistle’ working against her team.
