Angel Reese continues to build her second-year campaign, and after the Chicago Sky’s 87–81 victory over the league-best Minnesota Lynx on Saturday, she offered a glimpse into what helped shape her game ahead of the season. In particular, she acknowledged the role of the Unrivaled offseason league and the influence of Lynx forward Napheesa Collier.
How Did Unrivaled and Napheesa Collier Help Improve Angel Reese’s Game?
Reese’s ascent in her second WNBA season has been one of the league’s most compelling storylines. On Saturday night at Wintrust Arena, she added another chapter to her breakout year.
Facing off against veteran star Collier, Reese recorded 19 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, extending her league-best streak of double-doubles and reaffirming her status as one of the most impactful young players in the WNBA.
Now averaging 13.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, the 23-year-old continues to dominate the boards and anchor the Sky’s frontcourt with poise well beyond her years.
Following the win, Reese was quick to acknowledge the competitive edge that comes from playing against elite talent, including the very opponent she had just outdueled.
“She is one of the best. I love playing one of the best players,” Reese said of Collier. “She worked with me all offseason — her and Alex worked with me all offseason on my game. And kudos to them, because they helped me a lot… staying poised, staying patient. That’s why I trust in my work.”
Reese also spoke about her offseason experience with the Unrivaled 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, co-founded by Collier and Breanna Stewart. Launched in 2023, the league gives WNBA players a domestic training option during the offseason while offering equity and higher salaries.
“Being able to go Unrivaled, and being able to have them in my corner still today — Alex texts me all the time,” she continued. “I’m really happy that I am able to guard and be able to play against somebody who challenges me. I really don’t like somebody getting the best of me. She plays the best, and I can’t take a play off and that’s just a player that I love to play all the time.”
Angel Reese credited Napheesa Collier and @unrivaledwbb for challenging her and helping her grow this offseason.
She is one of the best. I love playing one of the best players. She worked with me all offseason — her and Alex worked with me all offseason on my game. And kudos to… pic.twitter.com/HdlagLPuGw
— C. C.,Esq. (@ItsCwaysWorld) July 12, 2025
Their mutual respect was also evident in All-Star selections: Collier, named co-captain for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, picked Reese as a reserve with the 13th overall pick. It’s a recognition that underscores the 23-year-old’s rising status among the league’s elite.
How Has Reese’s Historic Performance Shaped Chicago’s Season?
Saturday’s win was a total team effort, but it was Reese’s interior presence that grounded the Sky against a tough Lynx squad led by Collier’s 26 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Meanwhile, Chicago guard Ariel Atkins delivered a game-high 27 points, providing a crucial scoring punch as the Sky improved to 7-13 on the season.
Reese’s double-double marked her 40th across just two WNBA seasons. That milestone puts her in rare company: only Hall of Famer Tina Charles had done so before. Her ability to consistently perform at such a high level has transformed the Sky’s season and made her a frontrunner for Most Improved Player.
Double-Double Queen 👑
Angel Reese joins Tina Charles as the only players in WNBA history to record 40+ double-doubles through their first two seasons!
She also became just the second to grab 700+ boards in that span 💪#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/3T0gxEGMbi
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 12, 2025
Off the court, the accolades keep coming. Reese recently became the sixth WNBA player to grace the cover of NBA 2K, appearing on the 2K26 women’s edition and unveiling her signature shoe in the process.
As Chicago fights for a playoff spot, Reese’s growth, shaped in part by offseason competition and veteran mentorship, continues to reshape her career as well as the direction of the entire franchise.
