Angel Reese Downplays Importance of Individual Awards During WNBA Rookie of the Year Race With Caitlin Clark

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has enjoyed her first 29 games in the WNBA to the fullest.

She’s quickly become a rebounding force, grabbing 22 rebounds on Sunday in the Sky’s 77-75 loss to the back-to-back champion Las Vegas Aces. It was also the third time in the last three games that Reese has grabbed 20 or more rebounds.

The No. 7 overall pick in this year’s draft will also enter the Sky’s game against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday having recorded a double-double in 22 games. Reese’s total ties Tina Charles’ WNBA rookie record for most games with the impressive stat.

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Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky looks on during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on August 18, 2024 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

Reese’s performances so far this season have fuelled a fierce battle between the Sky star and Caitlin Clark for the competition’s Rookie of the Year title.

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While Clark is still the favorite to win the award, Reese said her focus is ultimately on getting the Sky back on winning track.

“I’m not focused on my individual accolades,” Reese told Complex. “I’m focused on our team and what we have to do collectively to win.”

Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky shoots a free throw during the game on August 23, 2024 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Dylan Goodman/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Sky have lost three straight games since the WNBA returned from a multi-week delay of the Olympics. Chicago currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, ahead of the Atlanta Dream and last-place Washington Mystics.

The budding college basketball rivalry between Reese and Clark has spilled over into the WNBA, with the two rookies facing off three times this season. Clark and the Fever defeated Reese and the Sky in the first two games, but Chicago was able to defeat Indiana in the third.

Angel Reese #5 and Caitlin Clark #22 of Team WNBA walk during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game on July 20, 2024 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Sky is scheduled to host the event Fever on August 30.

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Reese is averaging 13.5 points and 12.9 rebounds per game this season. She also announced the launch of her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.” New episodes are scheduled to premiere on Thursdays.

Reese said the platform gives her the opportunity to connect with fans beyond the basketball court.

“It’s another way for me to connect with my fans and reach new audiences that I haven’t necessarily reached before,” Reese also noted during her interview with Complex. “I can’t wait to share another side with listeners and have them come along for the ride with me.”

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