Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese broke the WNBA record for the most consecutive double-doubles by achieving her 13th straight in an 84-71 loss to Seattle on Sunday. This surpasses Candace Parker’s previous record set in 2009 and 2010. Reese and the Sky aim to extend this streak, coinciding with a WNBA tradition where teams host afternoon games for young girls attending summer camps during their school break.
The Chicago Sky faced the Atlanta Dream with an early 11 a.m. start on Wednesday, with Atlanta being one of four WNBA teams currently outside the playoff positions. Despite being the favorites, Chicago found themselves in a closely contested match that was tied at 54 points going into the fourth quarter.
However, the Sky seized control in the last quarter at their home court, outscoring the Dream 24-15 to secure a nine-point victory, although they should have won by seven. Angel Reese started the fourth quarter with 11 rebounds and grabbed two more during that period. However, she only scored seven points,
In the final quarter, she faced difficulties scoring, missing two layups in the first nine minutes. However, with 25 seconds remaining, she finally made a layup, extending the Sky’s lead to five points.endangering her double-double streak.
It was a crucial basket for the team, yet it left Reese just one point shy of reaching 10 points.
The Dream failed to score on their next possession, and the Sky capitalized by sinking two free throws after an intentional foul. Atlanta once again couldn’t score, allowing the clock to wind down and end the game.
Instead of simply running out the remaining time, as most teams would do in such situations, Chicago guard Chennedy Carter opted to pass the ball to Reese, who was signaling for it. Clearly aware that she needed those points to reach double figures, Reese wasn’t going to miss the chance to boost her stats and extend her record, despite the game already being decided.
Ultimately, Dream forward Tina Charles fouled Reese as she attempted to score, sending Reese to the free-throw line for two inconsequential — at least in terms of the game’s outcome — foul shots.
She made both shots, securing her 14th consecutive double-double.
The WNBA’s official social media team stated that Reese sealed the game with those free throws, although the outcome was already decided.
After the game, Carter mentioned that she wasn’t aware Reese needed one more point for a double-double. However, she acknowledged that her teammates, coach, and Reese herself informed her of the situation.
“I glanced at Coach Teresa Weatherspoon and the bench, and they were signaling ‘throw it in,’ ‘throw it in,'” Carter explained.
We’ve witnessed players prioritize individual achievements in the past, but the concerted effort to keep Angel Reese in the spotlight seems excessive.
Despite often emphasizing her teammates, Reese was exceptionally mindful of her statistics in this game and actively requested the ball to ensure she achieved her personal milestone.
So, the streak lives on. However, some may argue it comes with a caveat.
