Chicago Sky star Angel Reese silenced the critics with a statement performance on Sunday.
Chi-Town Barbie is back! After an eye-catching performance, Angel Reese says she’s ready to be "unstoppable." Saturday's victory was far from ordinary—it was a statement win.
On Sunday afternoon, Angel Reese recorded her first triple-double of her career in a crucial 78-66 victory over the Connecticut Sun. Ironically, Reese and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark are the only players to record a triple-double in the WNBA this season—and the youngest in league history to achieve the honor. Clark logged hers at 22 years old, while Reese achieved hers at 23. With the achievement, Reese joins elite company as the fourth player in Chicago Sky history to notch a triple-double — joining Courtney Vandersloot, Candace Parker, and Courtney Williams.
"My first year I was a passer," said Angel Reese post game. " I could have been a passer all my career. I came out of high school as the number one wing—and trying to get back to that. Trying to get back to being super versatile. And [coach] Tyler [Marsh] made that emphasis early on in the season. "
A massive personal achievement for Reese—No. 5 erupted for 11 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, and two blocks. In 33 minutes, Reese went 2-7 from the field while knocking down all seven free throws. Leading the WNBA in rebounds for the second straight season, Reese recently trademarked "MEBOUNDS" after recently trolled by fans. Notorious for her second chance put backs, Reese ranks fifth in the WNBA with 34 total second chance points this season. Through 10 games, the Maryland native is the standout leader in the offensive boards category.
With the performance, Reese joins New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu and Clark as the three fastest players in WNBA history to record a triple-double. While it took Ionescu just six games, Clark notched her first triple-double in 23 games. Reese accomplished the same feat in just 44 games.
Point Forward Angel Reese?
A look at the assist that secured Angel’s first career triple-double! 🌟 https://t.co/nMnS2txxj6 pic.twitter.com/ik1M1vBsv1
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 15, 2025
It was a groundbreaking moment for Reese, who recorded five first half assists. With a newly revamped roster, this team has faced significant adversity. At 3-7, the Sky hold the worst 3-point percentage in the league (30.3 %). In addition, their offense has been stagnant, perhaps one of the least efficient the league. With that, Reese acknowledges the tough stretches, It's important to 'trust the process.' In fact, LSU assistant Bob Starkey reminded Reese that even the greatest of players struggle.
"Look at the best players, they always have struggled with a crazy season," Reese said on the text she received from coach Starkey. "Their first couple of years—Seimone [Augustus]—look at A'ja [Wilson]. All the best players, when you're a top draft pick you get drafted to one of the worse teams. It's going to take time for us to get better."
On Saturday, that was hardly noticeable, considering Reese dished out an assist to six different teammates. Is "Point Reese" becoming a thing? It all started with her ability to turn defense into offense. Whether it was the pick and roll dish out, or drive and kick out to the corner three—It also helped that Kia Nurse and Ariel Atkins combined to shoot 5-for-7 from beyond the arc.
"The all-around effort from Angel [Reese] Catapulted us tonight......I think she came through the entire game", said Sky head coach Tyler Marsh. "Whether it was defending, facilitating, rebounding, scoring, she was getting to the free-throw line. She was drawing contact, and she was creating a lot of congestion in the paint where she was able to find shooters. She was great tonight, and we needed every bit of it."
Reese often faced the double team on numerous occasions, which opened up assists for her teammates. Aside from Reese, four players on the Sky recorded points in double-figures—Kamilla Cardoso, Kia Nurse, and Ariel Atkins. Rookie Hailey Van Lith produced a career-high 16 points off the bench.
While Reese undoubtedly struggled early in the season, the former LSU standout is proving she’s much more than a one-dimensional rebounder. Averaging 3.5 assists on the season, 11 marked a career and season high. Drafted No. 7 overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft, her facilitating abilities were on full display Sunday afternoon.
Angel Reese records her first TRIPLE DOUBLE of her WNBA career vs the Connecticut Sun! 😤
11 PTS
13 REB
11 AST
pic.twitter.com/HUWYRaiamb— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) June 15, 2025
Chicago Has Sky-High Expectations for Angel Reese
With that, Reese embraces the vision that new head coach Tyler Marsh has instilled in her from a facilitating perspective. Although the Sky encountered difficulties early on, Marsh has insisted the team want's to get Reese more involved. In fact, GM Jeff Pagliocca publicly stated his recent expectations of Reese to the media.
"She's [Angel Reese] had some great games, and she's had some games like everybody else that haven't been her best," said Pagliocca. "We need more production out of her, but we need her to help us in other ways, too."
It’s clear the Chicago Sky have high expectations for Reese. A three-time BET Sportswoman of the Year (2023, 2024, 2025), Reese faced harsh criticism early in the season for her underwhelming shooting efficiency. Through 10 games, she’s shooting just 35.7 percent from the field and 25 percent from beyond the arc. While she has been working to expand her range during Unrivaled and the offseason, the three-ball has yet to fall. While a post rookie slump verdict is still up in the air, Reese has taken steps to flip the narrative surrounding what has been, so far, a tumultuous season.
Voted a WNBA All-Star in her rookie season, Reese continues to push forward despite the backlash she’s received. High-profile players like A’ja Wilson didn’t add a three-point shot to their game until her fourth season. During the preseason, Coach Marsh expressed his desire for Reese to develop into a versatile player—something that takes both time and patience
"We want Angel [Reese] to be versatile as well, said coach Marsh in preseason. "So everything we do is about maintaining space and creating space."
With veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot sidelined by an ACL injury, all eyes will remain on Reese, who has shown her ability to operate as a point forward. Perhaps her aggressiveness and multidimensional play are the keys to unlocking the Sky’s offense.
Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky (3-7) will next host the Washington Mystics (4-7) Tuesday night in the Windy City.
Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Writer, Journalist, Content Creator, Managing Editor, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
