Sky Rookie Angel Reese Faces Stat Padding Allegations

Robin Lundberg | Jul 11, 2024

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese kept her double-double streak alive, but not without inviting scrutiny. The Sky had the win in hand when Reese was seen with her hands in the air clearly calling for the ball with Chicago up 7 and in possession in the waning seconds. She received the entry pass and was fouled by Tina Charles, getting her over 10 points on the day.

Angel Reese fouled with 6.4 left in game needing one point to continue the WNBA record of her 14th consecutive double-double. Steps to the line makes both. Streak continues and Sky win. pic.twitter.com/gJ7Kh6pNjQ

— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) July 10, 2024

It wasn't a good look for Angel considering how good she has been. Reese already set the WNBA mark for consecutive double-doubles in passing Candace Parker. So it wasn't as if getting another one in the victory over the Atlanta Dream was one for the record books. It simply made it seem as if she was desperate to keep the streak alive.

Angel Reese & Kamilla Cardoso each recorded a double-double in the same game for the 3rd time this season.

That is the most by a rookie duo in WNBA history. pic.twitter.com/CxjLtkDZ0n

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) July 10, 2024

Of course in the grand scheme of things whether Angel was stat padding is ultimately harmless. But the final moments will likely now be the talking point rather than the performance Reese and fellow rookie Kamilla Carodoso put up in unison. That pair and Chennedy Carter could form a truly formidable trio for Chicago going forward, as Carter once again was electric for the Sky in leading the squad in scoring.

Angel Reese shameless stat padding to get a double-double 😭 pic.twitter.com/RBWx0KzRR7

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) July 10, 2024

Reese's 14th consecutive double-double came on the same day that saw Caitlin Clark go for 29 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks for the Indiana Fever. A box score that had never been accomplished before. Though that stat line did come in a loss to the Washington Mystics.

Caitlin Clark is forging a path of her own 🤯

In today's game vs. the Mystics, Caitlin Clark becomes the 1st player in NBA and WNBA history to record 29 PTS, 13 AST, 5 REB, 5 3PM, 5 STL and 3 BLK in a game!#WelcomeToTheW pic.twitter.com/JKrUUbXfcv

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 10, 2024

Nevertheless, I have Clark ahead in the much discussed WNBA Rookie of the Year race and Angel didn't help her case by collecting another double-double. Because she's already been good enough where she didn't need to be so thirsty for a meaningless statistic.

ANGEL STAT PADDING IS CRAAAAZYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

— O.Z. !🏀 ❤️‍🩹 🏀 (@Hated_ThanLoved) July 10, 2024