Chicago’s WNBA season narrative pivoted sharply after their clash with the Los Angeles Sparks.
With Kamilla Cardoso, their No. 3 pick, away with Brazil’s AmeriCup squad, most experts-ESPN included-favored the Sparks, giving L.A. a 62.7% chance of winning. Yet, in just 12 hours, the storyline flipped, not due to a surprise veteran breakout, but thanks to Angel Reese, nicknamed “Bayou Barbie.”
Reese delivered a monstrous stat line: 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists, asserting dominance across all key categories and making history as the first WNBA player with 15+ rebounds in four consecutive games.
She’s embracing the expanded role with gusto. “When (Kamilla) is not here I try to take advantage of it as much as I can,” Reese said, flashing a trademark smile and owning her statement.
This surge is no fluke. Reese is rising fast among elite franchise players. Only Tina Charles, Yolanda Griffith, and Jonquel Jones-each MVPs-have had as many 15-point, 15-rebound games in their first two seasons.
Reese was also the fastest to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds in WNBA history, achieving it in just 38 games-surpassing Charles, whom she passed during a game against Phoenix.
Mid-season slumps have been part of Reese’s journey. She admitted, “I went through a rough stretch during the first eight games where I couldn’t finish. It was frustrating.
But I trusted my work, and my teammates did too. Now I’m finally finishing efficiently, and it’s leading to wins.” Her body language radiated confidence, not confrontation, and she was quick to credit Cardoso: “She’s a great post player… off-season I focused on driving to the basket, getting to the rim, and finishing.”
Can Reese turn temporary opportunity into permanence?
With Cardoso out for AmeriCup (June 28-July 6), the Sky’s frontcourt spacing opened up-and Reese capitalized. Experts suggest that without sharing the low post, Reese has more chances to crash the glass and finish inside.
This juxtaposition raises trade buzz: could the Sky reshape around Reese? Some believe a move-for instance, sending Cardoso to the Indiana Fever in exchange for backcourt assets and a future pick-might benefit both teams. Indiana, featuring six guards on their roster, could bolster their frontcourt, while Chicago gains flexibility.
Yet team chemistry remains intact. Despite the speculation, Cardoso publicly cheered on Reese, posting on Instagram after the Sparks game: “ANGEL M* REESE!!” Their respect runs deep.
Angel Reese’s breakout stretch in Cardoso’s absence has shifted the Sky’s identity. As she fills the post with energy, skill, and record-setting performances, the question isn’t just about temporary opportunity-it’s whether this momentum will reshape Chicago’s future. With Minnesota next on deck, fans will watch to see if Reese sustains this level-and if the trade whisperings gain real traction.
Could Reese’s emergence turn a short-term absence into a long-term reality? With performances like these, the case is strengthening by the game.
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