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Angel Reese could be back on track after historic performance vs. Sun
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) returns the ball against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. David Butler II-Imagn Images

Sky's Angel Reese could be back on track after historic performance vs. Sun

After Chicago Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca seemingly challenged forward Angel Reese earlier this week, she responded with, perhaps, the best game of her career thus far.

In a story published on June 10, Pagliocca told Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times that the team needed more "production" from Reese after losing six of its first eight games. On Sunday against the Connecticut Sun, she had the first triple-double of her career, with 11 points, 13 rebounds and a career-high 11 assists. 

Reese and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark are the only players in the league this season to have a triple-double, according to The Sporting News.

At 23 years and 40 days old, Reese is the second-youngest player in WNBA history to record a triple-double, per ESPN. Clark, of course, did it twice at 22.

Pagliocca indicated he wanted the Sky to take advantage of Reese's versatility more on offense. After the 78-66 road win over the Sun, the forward said that's an area of her game she's prioritizing.

"[I'm] trying to get back to being super versatile," Reese said, via The Athletic's Ben Pickman. " And [head coach Tyler Marsh] made that emphasis early on in the season. And I didn't understand it, and I was really kinda confused and trying to figure it out. I'm still figuring it out. But I still have patience."

When the Sky maximize Reese's versatility, that creates opportunities for others. Chicago rookie guard Hailey Van Lith scored a season-high 16 points against the Sun.

Chicago still needs more from Reese. Through her first nine games this season, the former LSU standout had averaged 10.3 points per game and 11.8 rebounds per game. In 34 games during her rookie season, she averaged 13.6 PPG and 13.1 RPG. 

However, if she can build off her performance against the Sun, that would help the Sky overcome a 3-7 start and help her make the All-Star Game for a second straight season.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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