Inside Angel Reese’s record-breaking double-double streak

There was a machine-like quality to Reese’s streak of 15 consecutive double-doubles, during which she averaged 15.3 points and 13.2 rebounds per game. No WNBA player has ever posted such a long double-double streak — not just any WNBA rookie, any WNBA player, period.

The Next, a 24/7/365 women’s basketball newsroom

The Next: A basketball newsroom brought to you by The IX. 24/7/365 women’s basketball coverage, written, edited and photographed by our young, diverse staff and dedicated to breaking news, analysis, historical deep dives and projections about the game we love.

“She’s so consistent,” Sky guard Marina Mabrey told reporters on July 7, the night Reese broke Candace Parker’s previous record of 12 consecutive double-doubles with 17 points, 14 rebounds against the Seattle Storm. “She’s super physical for a rookie, which is really hard to do…She kinda just jumped in there…did all the dirty work, and now it’s all paying off for her.”

Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon echoed the sentiment, telling reporters, “All the grit, the grind, and the level of confidence that [Reese] is playing with, it’s absolutely amazing to see.”

Reese’s streak did come to an end against the New York Liberty on July 13. She got into foul trouble and scored only eight points in the 81-67 loss, though she did grab 16 rebounds.

Apparently the “Chi-Town Barbie” is human after all. But Reese’s record-breaking streak embodies an impressive amount of growth in just 23 games. And more important than any streak is what it all means for how Angel Reese can turn the Sky into title contenders — as Reese would be the first to say.

Becoming an elite defensive rebounder and a better finisher

Reese’s most immediately translatable skill was her offensive rebounding. Before her double-double streak began, she’d already established herself as the best offensive rebounder in the WNBA, an incredible feat so early in any career.

Reese’s defensive rebounding, though, ranked only 33rd during her first seven games.

That’s changed quickly.

During Reese’s record-breaking streak, she doubled her defensive rebounding average, good for second-best in the league. As a result, the Sky’s defensive rebounding ranking climbed from second-to-last before the streak, up to sixth during the streak.

Add Locked On Women’s Basketball to your daily routine

Here at The Next, in addition to the 24/7/365 written content our staff provides, we also host the daily Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast. Join us Monday through Saturday each week as we discuss all things WNBA, collegiate basketball, basketball history and much more. Listen wherever you find podcasts or watch on YouTube.

Angel Reese’s Growth in Defensive Rebounding

“She’s a quicker learner,” Sky point guard Lindsay Allen told The Next after practice in July. “She can read positioning very well. That’s how she gets her rebounds.”

Reese’s ability to make adjustments on the fly also applies to her efficiency around the basket.

In her first seven games in the league, Reese made only 36.8% of her shots at the rim. During her double-double streak, however, her efficiency at the rim increased to 50.7%, which is closer to her average in college (52.7% per Synergy).

Reese attributes some of this improvement to advice from veterans such as Atlanta center Tina Charles, who encouraged her take her time around the basket.

However, individual accomplishments are often the result of team dynamics too. Reese’s improvement coincided with the addition of guard Chennedy Carter to the starting lineup. Carter’s ability to finish in the paint forces defenders to step up and help, leaving Reese open for better looks.

“It’s easy playing when everybody’s trying to guard Chennedy,” Reese said after the team’s July 5 win against the Seattle Storm. “I can move around and get open, so she kind of makes my job easy.”

An injury to Elizabeth Williams, the Sky’s starting center, also created more shot opportunities for Reese. Since Williams went down with a torn meniscus, Reese is attempting two more shots per game (12.8 compared to 10.8). This, coupled with her increase in efficiency, has lifted her scoring average from 10.6 to 15.3 points per game during the streak.

Introducing Shelly Bean the Sports Queen!

Did you know that less than 2% of children’s books published each year have a female character who is physically active?

The “Shelly Bean the Sports Queen” series is the perfect inspiration for the children in your life. Action, bright colors and representation in every story! Use code 2024 for 10 percent off!

Order yours today!

Expanding Reese’s game outside the paint

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Angel Reese has big dreams. As a rookie, she just broke a decade-old double-double record and was named to the All-Star team.

“She wants to be one of the best post players in this league and to play the game, period,” Lindsay Allen told The Next.

Reese also wants to be an Olympian by 2028. To get there, she’ll need to expand her game outside the paint.

Right now, defenders leave Reese open on the perimeter. But she’s starting to take advantage. The day she tied Candace Parker‘s record, she hit the first 3-pointer of her WNBA career, going 2-for-2 from deep.

That is an evolution the Sky supports. Weatherspoon often tells reporters that she wants Reese shooting from the perimeter without hesitation.

“She might be surprising herself, but she’s not surprising me,” Weatherspoon said.

The Next’s Howard Megdal contributed reporting for this story.

Get 24/7 soccer coverage with The Equalizer

The Next is partnering with The Equalizer to bring more women’s sports stories to your inbox. Subscribers to The Next receive 50% off their subscription to The Equalizer for 24/7 coverage of women’s soccer.