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Angel Reese’s challenging performance
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Chicago Sky faced off against the reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty, on Thursday night. Unfortunately for the Sky, the game ended in a disappointing 99-74 loss.
Among the players, Angel Reese, the standout forward for the Sky, had a particularly tough night that left fans and analysts buzzing on social media.
A viral moment encapsulates the struggle
Just minutes into the game, Reese found herself in a peculiar situation that would soon go viral.
In a span of just 19 seconds, she managed to grab five offensive rebounds, yet she missed four consecutive shots right under the basket, two of which were blocked. This moment was not just a reflection of her night but also a microcosm of the challenges she faced throughout the game.
Despite her efforts, Reese’s performance raised eyebrows, with some critics suggesting that her rebound statistics might be inflated due to her frequent misses.
Breaking records and facing criticism
Reese, who previously set the WNBA record for the most rebounds in a single season, ended the night with just two points and 12 rebounds.
This marked the first time since 2021 that she failed to make a single basket, breaking a remarkable streak of 136 games across college and professional play. Earlier this season, she had made headlines by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach both 450 points and rebounds.
However, the contrast between her past achievements and her current struggles has sparked discussions about her performance consistency.
The Liberty’s impressive victory
While Reese struggled, the New York Liberty showcased their offensive prowess, setting a WNBA record with 19 three-pointers in their victory.
Eight of the nine Liberty players who attempted a three-pointer successfully made at least one, with Natasha Cloud and Kennedy Burke each hitting four. The Liberty’s overall shooting percentage of 55% and their impressive free throw performance (16 of 17) highlighted their dominance on the court, contrasting sharply with the Sky’s struggles.
Looking ahead
As the Chicago Sky prepare for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Sparks, the team will need to regroup and find ways to support Reese and improve their overall performance. Meanwhile, the Liberty will look to maintain their momentum as they head into their next matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. The WNBA season is still young, and both teams have plenty of opportunities to showcase their talents and make adjustments moving forward.
