Angel Reese Channels Inner Shaq: 20 Rebounds, Back-to-Back!

Angel Reese Channels Inner Shaq: 20 Rebounds, Back-to-Back!

4 minute read
Published: 8/24/2024

In a feat not seen since Shaquille O'Neal in 1993, Angel Reese stunned the WNBA with back-to-back 20+ rebound games, solidifying her Rookie of the Year bid and making rebounds the new hot trend.

Angel Reese's rebounding prowess has shattered ceiling tiles and sound barriers alike, as she became the first player since Shaq to pull down consecutive 20+ rebound games. With her impressive average of 12.6 rebounds per game and a staggering 352 total this season, Reese is not just a contender for Rookie of the Year; she's also setting her sights on Sylvia Fowles' single-season rebounding record. It looks like boards are officially in, and we're here for the rebound revolution!

In her latest outing against the Connecticut Sun, Reese put on a performance that would make even the most seasoned rebounders nod in approval. Despite shooting only 3-of-12 from the field, she managed to contribute 13 points and an eye-popping 20 rebounds, demonstrating that for Reese, securing the boards is clearly her bread and butter. It's a refreshing reminder that when the shot isn't falling, there's always the option to just out-hustle everyone in the gym.

This back-to-back rebounding achievement adds her name to a rather exclusive list that hasn't seen a new entry since 1993. For context, that's roughly the time when floppy disks were still very much a thing. The achievement has made Reese a household name—at least in households where highlight reels and sports stats are considered essential viewing. If Rebevolution were a company, you can bet that Angel Reese would be its primary shareholder.

Reese's contributions on the court have not gone unnoticed, especially in light of her already record-setting season. Earlier in the season, she set a WNBA record for 15 consecutive double-doubles, showcasing her capacity to impact the game in multiple ways. It’s a feat that leaves many imagining what her post-game snack must consist of—most likely lots of protein to sustain those exertions on the court.

And if you're wondering how much impact she’s had on the game—it's significant. Currently, Reese is averaging an impressive 13.6 points and leading the entire WNBA in rebounds. Her style of play can only be described in one way: a blend of grace and unyielding determination. She has a total of 352 rebounds this season, placing her 12th all-time for a single WNBA season, which is impressive for a rookie, or frankly, for anyone who enjoys the sport.

Reese's stats are already raising eyebrows, and analysts are mulling over the possibility of her breaking Sylvia Fowles' single-season rebounding record, which stands at 404 rebounds from 2018. If there’s one thing we know about records, it's that they are specifically designed to be broken—much like the hearts of opposing players attempting to box her out. With each game that passes, breaking that record feels less like a possibility and more like a foregone conclusion.

As the season moves forward, Reese has established herself as not only a dynamic player but also as a role model for aspiring athletes. Her ability to maintain a balance of scoring and rebounding reflects a strategist's mindset on the court, one that's developed through the years in both practices and games. With her sights set on accolades, it would not be surprising to find some budding WNBA players emulating her moves—perhaps with slightly less success initially, but they can at least say they tried.

As if the stats didn’t provide enough context, the excitement surrounding Reese's rookie season is building momentum akin to that of a freight train. Experts are taking bets on how many more double-doubles she can rack up, and even casual fans are tuning in to see if she can improve upon her own record-setting performances. It's like the entire league has caught a case of Reesemania, and the best part is that it appears to be contagious.

So, if anyone thought rebounding was simply a boring part of basketball, it’s time to rethink your stance. Angel Reese is here to officiate the fun committee, and by the looks of it, rebounds are the new thing. Watch out, world; this rookie is just getting started. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, it’s safe to say that there's a good chance we'll be hearing a lot more about Reese as the season continues to unfold.