Angel Reese to her rebound critics: I’ve won championships at every level by just doing that

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese is making history in the WNBA, setting records at a pace that rivals fellow rookie Caitlin Clark.  However, despite her achievements, some critics argue that Reese’s rebounding records come with a caveat, they believe she benefits from rebounding her own missed shots.

In Sunday’s 79-74 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, Angel Reese shattered the WNBA single-season rebounding record, surpassing retired center Sylvia Fowles’s previous mark of 404 rebounds.  Reese, a former standout at LSU, recorded 19 rebounds in what was her 24th double-double performance of the season.  With 418 rebounds through her first 32 games in the league, Reese continues to redefine expectations for a WNBA rookie.

Reese responds to critics: It’s not about missed shots

Despite her success, Reese has faced ongoing criticism regarding her rebounding stats. Many have suggested that she pads her rebounding numbers by grabbing her own missed shots. However, Reese addressed these claims in her postgame press conference on Sunday, delivering a strong message to her detractors.

“A lot of people think it’s because I get my own, but statistically, it’s not,” Reese explained.  “A lot of people think it’s because I’m the tallest on the court, when I’m not the tallest on the court. Just being able to go down there and bang, doing things that a lot of people don’t want to do.  “Defense and rebounding win championships, and I’ve won championships at every level by just doing that.”

Four Hundred and Five 🗣️

Angel Reese shatters the W’s single-season rebounding record, surpassing Sylvia Fowles (404 in 2018)#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/G3XMN5dqWn

— WNBA (@WNBA) September 1, 2024

Record-breaking season hasn’t improved team success

Angel Reese currently holds the WNBA rookie season records for both rebounds and double-doubles, an impressive feat for any first-year player.  However, despite her individual success, the Chicago Sky has struggled as a team. Following Sunday’s loss, the Sky now hold a record of 11-21, having lost seven of their last eight games since the Olympic break.  With the playoffs slipping further out of reach, Reese’s historic season hasn’t been enough to turn the tide for her team.