Arike Ogunbowale on the “rivalry” between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese
Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale explains why it was the media that started the so-called beef between WNBA rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Sport in Seriousness
Angel Reese’s outstanding rookie season with the Chicago Sky comes to a premature end.
Reese announced Saturday that she will miss the rest of the WNBA season after suffering a “season-ending injury.” Reese did not disclose what injury she suffered or when it happened, but Sky confirmed that Reese suffered a wrist injury during Chicago’s 92-78 win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday.
“What a year,” Reese wrote in a opinion shared on social media. “I’m very emotional right now because I have a season-ending injury, but I’m also very thankful for what’s next. Even though it’s God’s schedule and not mine, I can finally give myself a physical and mental break.”
WNBA PLAYOFFS: Angel Reese and Chicago Sky fight for the last place in the postseason
Reese had 24 points and 12 rebounds in the Sky’s blowout win over the Sparks on Friday, her 26th double-double of the season in 34 games played. She made 9 of 15 field shots and 1 of 3 three-pointers, including a game-tying 3-pointer with 3:20 left.
“I never thought the last basket of my rookie season would be a 3, but maybe that was a sign from God to give them a taste of what they’ll see even more of in year two,” Reese said.
Reese ends her rookie season by entering the record books, averaging 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. She leads the league in rebounds (13.1) and offensive rebounds per game (5.1) and sets a WNBA single-season record for most rebounds (446). Her 15-game double-double streak sets a record for most consecutive rebounds since Candace Parker posted 12 in a row during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Reese was named a WNBA All-Star and recorded a double-double in an ASG victory over the United States women’s national basketball team.
As of Tuesday, Reese is ranked No. 2 in USA TODAY Sports’ WNBA Rookie of the Year rankings.
“I showed that I belonged in this league when no one else believed I did. All I ever wanted to do was get to the W and make an impact,” said Reese, who was drafted No. 7 out of LSU in April after leading the Tigers to the Elite Eight. “I can safely say that I’ve done that and I’m going to strive to continue to do that.”
The Sky (12-22) are battling with the Atlanta Dream (12-22) and the Washington Mystics (11-23) for the eighth and final playoff spot. Chicago will face Washington (September 11) and Atlanta (September 17) in its final six regular season games this year. Although Reese will not be on the court, the rookie sensation told her Chicago teammates, “You’ll still see me as the biggest cheerleader on the sidelines.”
The 2024 WNBA playoffs begin on September 22
Reese also hinted that she will be back in time for the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league founded by WNBA All-Stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier that launches in January: “Unrivaled League, see you soon!”
