Despite the Chicago Sky’s 84-71 loss to the Seattle Storm on Sunday, Storm coach Noelle Quinn still had high praise for their opponent’s standout rookie, Angel Reese.
“Congratulations to her,” Quinn said, as reported by Dylan Ackermann of The Seattle Times. “What she’s been doing in her first year in the league is obviously legendary.”
Reese made history by becoming the first player in WNBA history to record 13 consecutive double-doubles, notching 17 points and 14 rebounds in the game. Her performances have been a leading factor in the Sky’s competitive season and have drawn praise from across the league, including being named the WNBA’s June Rookie of the Month.
Seattle, which had an eight-game home winning streak snapped by the Sky two days prior on July 5, faced the challenge of containing Reese. Known for her dominance on the offensive glass, Reese leads the league in both offensive and total rebounds. Quinn emphasized the need for a collective effort to counter her impact.
“We have to gang rebound,” Quinn said. “A player like that who just goes to the glass with heart, desire, athleticism, strength, it’s hard to neutralize.”
Despite their best efforts, the Storm struggled to contain Reese and her 6-foot-7 teammate Kamilla Cardoso, who grabbed five offensive boards in the first quarter alone. The Storm also had difficulty scoring inside, going 3 of 15 in the paint during the first quarter.
However, led by standout performances from Skylar Diggins-Smith and Jewell Loyd, Seattle managed to rally. Diggins-Smith inspired the team with back-to-back threes early in the second quarter, giving the Storm their first lead of the game. Loyd, after a quiet first half, erupted in the third quarter with 12 points, helping to push the Storm ahead for good.
The Sky have four games left before the WNBA All-Star Game, where Reese is set to play for Team USA, as well as the month-long break for the Paris Olympics.
