Angel Reese Makes History With First Career Triple-Double
In an emotional 78-66 win over the Connecticut Sun, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese etched her name into women’s professional basketball history with her first career triple-double, marking a milestone not only for her but also for the entire Chicago Sky team in this challenging season.
With an impressive performance of 11 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists – a personal record for successful passes, Reese demonstrated her versatility and excellent adaptability when the team faced a disadvantageous 0-8 start in the first quarter, thereby creating a key turning point to help the Chicago Sky win their third game of the season.
The historic moment came when Reese made her 10th pass with 2 minutes and 46 seconds remaining in the final quarter, raising her arms with all 10 fingers to celebrate the special achievement while running back to her own half, expressing joy and pride after being informed by her teammates that she only needed one more pass to reach double digits.
“I’m trying to get back to my extremely versatile style of play,” Reese shared about the new playing philosophy that coach Tyler Marsh emphasized at the beginning of the season, although she initially felt confused and bewildered by the new tactical demands but has now begun to find balance with patience and relentless determination.
What makes this achievement even more meaningful is not only that it was Reese’s first triple-double in 30 double-doubles in her career, but also that she had never had more than five assists in a game before, and that she successfully passed to six different players in this game, demonstrating excellent court vision and teamwork.
Reese’s triple-double is not only personal but also an important milestone for the entire WNBA in 2025, as it is only the second triple-double this season after Caitlin Clark’s performance in the Indiana Fever’s opening game, and also the Chicago Sky’s first triple-double since 2023, proving the rarity and specialness of this achievement.
Reese’s transformation has largely come from a new strategy from coach Tyler Marsh, a former Las Vegas Aces assistant, who has trusted the 6-foot-3 forward with a role that includes accelerating the rebounds and making pick-and-roll plays in the offense, taking full advantage of her versatility.
“The biggest strength of the big guys on our team is their passing ability and their willingness to share the ball with their teammates,” Marsh said of the positive development of Reese and other inside players, reflecting the collective basketball philosophy he is building for the Chicago Sky in his first season in charge.
The win was especially significant as it snapped a three-game losing streak and earned the Chicago Sky their first win since veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot suffered an ACL injury on June 6, forcing the team to restructure its play and find new sources of scoring from different positions on the court.
After scoring in double digits in just four of the first six games of the season, Reese has bounced back with three straight games of at least 10 points, showing consistency and adaptability to a new role as coach Marsh has decided to increase the use of inside linebackers following Vandersloot’s injury.
While Reese’s season averages – a league-leading 10.3 points and 11.8 rebounds – are down from her All-Star rookie season, her versatility and ability to contribute in multiple areas are showing a more complete and mature Angel Reese.
In addition to Reese’s historic performance, rookie Hailey Van Lith – the No. 11 pick in the April draft – also had her best game since joining the WNBA with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting in 25 minutes, showing incredible confidence and composure for a young player just entering the top professional league.
“I felt like if I could stay calm and play purely on instinct, that was the goal I set for myself today,” Van Lith said of the mindset that helped her make an impressive debut, showing the rapid maturity of the young generation of players in the Chicago Sky squad.
According to Reese, the entire Chicago Sky team entered the match with a “desperate” spirit to win, and this positive result not only brought joy but also marked the team’s first victory in the Commissioner’s Cup, creating positive momentum for the next important matches on the schedule.
With the Commissioner’s Cup schedule coming to an end next Tuesday against the Washington Mystics, the Chicago Sky are