Chicago Sky starlet Angel Reese admitted that she is trying to learn from her rivals and learned from Brittney Griner in the loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
The six-time WNBA All-Star demonstrated her class with a virtuoso showing in the 86-68 win as she contributed 18 points, five rebounds, and one block. The Mercury players largely had control of proceedings in the third and fourth quarters as they earned the spoils at Footprint Center.
Despite the loss, Reese wrote her name into the history books during the outing as she became the quickest star to post 20 double-doubles in a campaign in the league's history. Recording her 20th double-double of the season in the defeat, the rookie has averaged 15.3 points and 13.2 boards a game this term.
However, it appears that the talented former LSU college basketball ace remains focused on improving as she revealed her admiration for veteran opposition star Griner following the clash. She said: "Obviously, [Brittney Griner has] experience. She's been doing this for a while, knows the calls she can get.
"I think she takes her time around the basket. That's something that I like to watch from her. Even when doesn't know she's going to get the foul, she's going to take her time around the basket and finish. That's how she gets a lot of And-1's. So just being able to take that from her as a rookie [helps me],”
Reese pushed back on questions regarding her record-breaking performance, as she spoke further about Grinner, adding: "No, I don’t want to hear about no record today. She’s a great player, really efficient tonight. Just being able to follow the game plan was something we didn’t do."
This latest sterling showing means that Reese has installed herself heavily in the running for the Rookie of the Year prize after an impressive first season in the WNBA. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark also expected to be among the frontrunners for the award to with the youngster also breaking records in her debut campaign.
After starring for the Fever in the 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm, added nine more assists to take her tally to the season to a record-extending total of 232. This took her clear of Ticha Penicheiro, who set the previous leading haul with 224 all the way back in 1998.
Former ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III is among those who have been left amazed by the performances of both Clark and Reese, as he said: "Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese aren’t playing like rookies. They are TAKING THE WNBA BY STORM in their own way... The WNBA is in good hands for the foreseeable future."
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