Angel Reese embracing patience, growth in rookie WNBA season - ESPN

Angel Reese cut to the basket late in the fourth quarter against the New York Liberty. But as the Chicago Sky rookie got the ball, she was inadvertently tripped by New York's Courtney Vandersloot. Falling to the floor, Reese got off the shot, in the process accidentally taking down the Liberty's Breanna Stewart, who fell on top of her.

Despite the chaos, Reese made the basket to put Chicago up by 13, helping secure the Sky's first marquee victory of the season on May 23 and hand New York, runner-up in last year's WNBA Finals, its first loss in 2024. In Brooklyn, no less.

As she sat up, Reese flashed a mean mug, letting the rest of the league know she and the Sky are not to be overlooked this summer.

Before being selected No. 7 overall in April's draft, WNBA coaches and general managers offered a mixed take on Reese's pro prospects. Her skills, competitive fire and energy fueled her sizable upside, while her lack of proven shooting range beyond the paint was considered a limitation. Whether Reese's game would translate at the next level was a prevailing question heading into the draft.

Like all rookies, Reese has plenty of areas to grow. But she has showcased her pro-readiness throughout the first two weeks of the season. Her next opportunity arrives Saturday (noon ET, ESPN) against the Indiana Fever and fellow star rookie Caitlin Clark, whose battles with Reese in college helped spur growth for women's basketball.

«It's been great,» Reese told ESPN of her early weeks as a pro. «Just being able to affect the game in different ways, understanding the transition and just giving myself grace and being patient with everything. I've been able to have fun out there and grow every game.»

Reese, who has carved out a starting spot