CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky are trying to regain momentum after going on a cold streak during June. The Sky possessed a 4-9 record before their game against the Dallas Wings, which placed them second-to-last in the Eastern Conference standings. Nevertheless, former LSU women's basketball star Angel Reese has been a bright spot for the team. Reese provided exciting insight into the expansion of her offensive game since she arrived in Chicago.
Through 13 games, Reese averages an impressive 12.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals. She amassed six straight double-doubles between June 4th and June 16th. Yet, one of Reese's criticisms has been her lack of outside shooting. Reese revealed that her growing “confidence” and workouts are allowing her to improve.
“Just being able to get in that confidence,” Reese said before Chicago's June 20th game against the Dallas Wings. “I'm taking [more] shots in warm-ups and workouts. I've been working out with [Teresa Weatherspoon], and the coaches put confidence in me. I've taken a lot more jump shots than I've probably in maybe my college career, so continuing to get confidence [is key for me].”
Reese has been working hard to gain a rhythm with her mid-range shooting. To support her claims, she knocked down an impressive long-range jumper during Sky practice on June 10th:
Here comfort from beyond the paint is slowly but surely starting to show. As the season progresses, Reese has made it a habit to attempt at least one mid-range shot a game when opposing defenses leave her open.
As time progresses, Reese will become more efficient on her outside shots, allowing her to ascend to an even higher level.
Angel Reese wants to continue her stout play to help the Sky ascend
Despite being 22 years old, Reese has already etched her name into the WNBA record books.
First, Reese became the fourth first-year player in WNBA history to have 13+ points and 10+ rebounds in four consecutive games, joining Yolanda Griffith, Tamika Catchings and Tina Charles after her standout game against the Connecticut Sun on June 12th. Then, Reese's 14-point, 10-rebound performance in the 83-81 Mystics loss saw her become the fourth rookie in league history to record a double-double in five-plus consecutive games, the league noted on Friday.
Reese believes two key things will allow her to continue to produce at a high level: being a smart defender and playing her role well.
“Staying out of foul trouble for one. Just continue to do my job. I know what my job is on any given night. I have to make sure I defend and rebound, and I think my offense just comes on its own. So just trying to help this team as best as I can. I know I'm young, and I'm still learning. But I have a voice here, and they allow me to have a voice to continue to bring a lot of energy every day,” Reese said.
If Angel Reese continues her strong play, she will have a chance to win the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. For now, she wants to keep expanding her game and help the Sky climb the Eastern Conference standings.
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