The WNBA returned from its mid-season break and Angel Reese picked up where she left off, breaking a Chicago Sky franchise offensive rebounds record.
Angel Reese wasn’t in the mood to celebrate breaking a Chicago Sky franchise record after they were beaten by the Phoenix Mercury on the WNBA’s return.
The WNBA took a mid-season break while the 2024 Paris Olympic Games played out, allowing players to get some much-needed rest. In Reese’s case, the WNBA rookie went to Paris as a spectator.
On the rookie WNBA All-Star’s return, Reese set a Sky franchise record for most offensive rebounds in a single season, breaking the feat set by Sylvia Fowles at 117 in 2013. However, losing by 20 points, an 85-65 defeat to Mercury, saw Reese give a blunt response to her record-breaking night.
“I know you care a lot more about the results than records but you set another record today,” a reporter said to Reese, who responded by shaking her head and interrupting. “No, I don’t want to hear about no record today,” Reese sharply said.
Off the court, Reese is also winning after having her first footwear and apparel collection with Reebok. “I wanted to create a collection that allowed women and girls everywhere to embrace their femininity and power in whatever they’re doing,” Reese said in a press release.
“[Reebok] serves as a true creative partner, and we’re really able to collaborate on pieces designed to elicit confidence and expression,” she added. “Being able to work with legends like Uncle Shaq and Allen Iverson, and to represent women in basketball is also an incredible honor.”
“I worked hand-in-hand with the brand to ensure each and every piece is designed to elicit confidence and expression,” she continued. Reebok signing Reese came after NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal became the fitness company’s president of basketball.
Shaq, a former LSU superstar, has fostered a close relationship with Reese. The WNBA star even refers to O’Neal as her uncle. “She’s playing great. She’s doing it our way. She’s playing our game. She’s unapologetic, which I love,” Shaq said of Reese during a recent episode of The Big Podcast.
“I don’t know what the criteria are for Rookie of the Year, but I love the marketing that’s going on between [Angel] and Caitlin,” Shaq continued. Reese will likely go head-to-head with her longtime rival for the prestigious award.
Reese and Caitlin Clark teamed up in the WNBA All-Star game to help defeat Team USA – but they will now go back to competing against each other. The duo shared an iconic rivalry in college in the past two seasons, including a National Championship game in 2023 between LSU and the Iowa Hawkeyes, before Clark and Co. got revenge earlier this year.
