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Chiney Ogwumike Sends Clear Angel Reese Message Amid Sky Loss to Mercury
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury handed the visiting Chicago Sky their ninth loss in 12 games this season, a 107-86 defeat on Saturday at Wintrust Arena.

Sky forward Angel Reese finished with just nine points, two rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes. However, following the loss, she is still averaging a double-double of 11.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, which earned her praise from a former WNBA All-Star.

“She is excellent, especially without a point guard [Courtney Vandersloot],” ESPN commentator Chiney Ogwumike said prior to the loss during ESPN’s “WNBA Countdown.” “She’s great off the dribble, but it starts by turning defense into offense."

Ogwumike then breaks down a play from Reese's game against the Connecticut Sun.

“She is able to get this block with the right hand and off to the races," Ogwumike said. "And this is crazy because at half court, you reach, I teach, and a quick crossover forces two defenders into the paint.”

Ogwumike, 33, highlighted Reese’s ability to play tight defense and turn it into points on offense by running the floor well. Ogwumike was also impressed with the amount of strength Reese used to force defenders away from her and make shots easily.

“Last but not least, it’s the 'mebounds' because look at the vision she keeps on the ball with great extension and pivot, turn and patience,” she added. “This is the improvement in her game, and this is when you see her numbers go off the charts.”

Ogwumike’s remarks could help Reese get back into a groove following the rough game against the Mercury. One thing that is for sure is that Reese can do so when necessary, like when she recorded her first career triple-double (11 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists) against the Connecticut Sun last Sunday.

The Sky’s next game is at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday against the Atlanta Dream inside The Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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