Angel Reese walked off the court Saturday night with another double-double under her belt and her name etched alongside WNBA legends. But it wasn’t just the numbers that caught everyone’s attention.
It was the raw honesty she shared about her journey from Baltimore streets to basketball stardom that had fellow athletes rallying behind her.
How Did Carmelo Anthony React to Angel Reese’s Honest Career Reflections?
Angel Reese, now in her second season with the Chicago Sky, recently opened up about the adversity she faced while chasing her basketball dreams. The forward didn’t hold back when discussing her roots and the sacrifices that brought her to this point.
“I am from Baltimore. It’s not easy coming from Baltimore and just being able to make it out,” she said. “My mom made a lot of sacrifices for us. So, just being able to be here today, I am super grateful.”
Reflecting on her path, Reese added, “I didn’t come for money. I grew up just me, my mom, my brother. I’m able to play the game that I love. This is my job. I get to come here every day to be happy and just be blessed.”
View this post on Instagram
Her vulnerability struck a chord with NBA veteran Carmelo Anthony, also a Baltimore native. Anthony responded with encouragement, showing the bond between athletes who share similar backgrounds.
“FACTS!! WE GOT YOU SIS!!! Keep being Great,” he commented.
Meanwhile, WNBA icon Sheryl Swoopes echoed that support, writing, “You know we got you! Keep doing you! ♥️♥️♥️.”
Despite criticism for her aggressive play and shooting percentages, Reese posted a standout rookie campaign. This season, Reese has improved her shooting efficiency and helped lead Chicago to four wins in its last seven games.
What Historic Milestone Did Reese Reach Against Minnesota?
Reese delivered another standout performance Saturday, helping the Chicago Sky defeat the Minnesota Lynx 87-81. The second-year forward scored 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting, adding 11 rebounds and four assists.
Her double-double made her only the second player in WNBA history to record at least 40 double-doubles within her first two seasons, joining Connecticut Sun veteran Tina Charles. Reese also became just the second player to collect more than 700 rebounds in that same span.
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
The numbers show Reese’s growth from her rookie season. In her first year, Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds while shooting 39.1 percent from the field. This season, she has improved her field-goal accuracy to 43.4 percent and her free throw percentage from 73.6 to 78.6
Currently, she leads the WNBA in rebounds per game with 12.8 and was named an All-Star for the second consecutive season. She will represent Napheesa Collier’s team against Caitlin Clark’s squad at Gainbridge Fieldhouse next weekend.
Chicago dominated the rebounding battle 45-28 and held a 44-28 scoring advantage in the paint. The Sky, who began the year 3-10, have improved to 7-13 and are now fighting to reenter the playoff picture.
They face Minnesota again Monday, followed by a matchup against the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday.
