Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese are filling up box scores, setting records and eyeing the playoffs

On Sunday, two WNBA players made history. Chicago Sky forward Candace Reese became the single-season rebounding leader, surpassing the previous record held by retired player Sylvia Fowles. Indiana Fever guard Teaira McCowan also etched her name into the annals of WNBA history by becoming the first player to achieve back-to-back games with 25 points and 10 assists in the regular season. These remarkable feats are not just personal milestones but also bring significant attention to the WNBA, a league that has been striving for greater recognition and respect. Reese’s 19 rebounds in the game brought her season total to an astonishing 418, breaking Fowles’ previous record. Interestingly, Reese was unaware of her achievement at the time, as she does not follow social media. Her focus remains on ending her team’s six-game losing streak, highlighting her team-first mentality even amid personal success.

Teaira McCowan’s performance has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her team, the Indiana Fever, has won four consecutive games, bringing their record to 17-16. This is particularly significant as the Fever have not had a winning record since 2015. In 2016, they made the playoffs with a balanced record of 17-17. McCowan’s success is being compared to that of Courtney Vandersloot, who holds the record for being involved in the highest percentage of her team’s points in a season. McCowan also holds the rookie assist record and is on track to break the all-time assist record as well. In a recent game against Dallas, McCowan contributed 28 points and 12 assists, further solidifying her status as one of the league’s premier playmakers. Since the Olympic break, McCowan and her teammate Kelsey Mitchell have been virtually unstoppable, making the Fever a formidable opponent as they eye the playoffs.

Angel Reese’s journey to breaking the WNBA single-season rebounding record has been nothing short of inspiring. Playing for the Chicago Sky, Reese broke the record in a game against the Minnesota Lynx, previously held by Sylvia Fowles. With a total of 405 rebounds so far this season, Reese finished the game with 19 rebounds and 17 points, earning her 24th double-double of the season. This brings her total number of rebounds to 418, with eight games left in the regular season. Another rookie on the Sky team, Kamilla Cardoso, also had a standout performance, scoring a career-high 22 points and grabbing nine rebounds. The Lynx, who have the third-best record in the WNBA, were led by Courtney Williams, who scored 22 points, followed by Kayla McBride with 17 and Napheesa Collier with 15.

Reese is currently leading the WNBA with an average of 13.1 rebounds per game. If she maintains this average, she could potentially set an unreachable record for season rebounds. According to SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell, Reese is on track to end the season with 517 rebounds, which would be 113 more than Fowles’ previous record. It is no coincidence that Reese wore Dennis Rodman’s Detroit Pistons jersey before a recent game. Rodman was known for his ferocious rebounding skills in the NBA, averaging 13.1 boards per game while leading the league for seven consecutive seasons. Since the Olympic break, Reese has been averaging 16.1 rebounds in seven games. During that time, she became the first player in WNBA history to grab 20 rebounds in three consecutive games and earned her 23rd double-double of the season, surpassing Tina Charles’ previous record.

The Chicago Sky’s current record is 11-20, and they will face the Las Vegas Aces, who hold a record of 19-12, on Tuesday at 10 pm ET. This game will feature a matchup between Reese and A’ja Wilson, who is the frontrunner for the WNBA MVP and ranks second in the league for rebounds with an average of 11.8 per game. Wilson will be a tough opponent for Reese, as she is a dominant rebounder herself. Reese’s impressive rebounding skills have led her to break a season record and put her up against some of the best rebounders in the WNBA. Despite her record-breaking performance, Reese is focused on helping her team end their losing streak, demonstrating her commitment to team success over individual accolades.

In another thrilling game, the Lynx held off the Sky, winning 79-74 to bounce back from a previous defeat. Courtney Williams led the Lynx with 22 points, while Reese scored 17 and broke the WNBA rebounding record. The game took place at Target Center, and Williams spoke about her performance in a post-game interview, describing how she takes advantage of screens and shoots confidently. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve praised Williams for her performance and for simplifying their strategy. The Lynx managed to bounce back from a previous loss to Dallas, while the Sky lost their sixth game in a row and tenth in their last 13 games. Despite missing center Alanna Smith due to an ankle injury, the Lynx dominated in points off turnovers but struggled to shake off the Sky throughout the game.

Chicago’s Kamilla Cardoso also had a strong performance with 22 points and nine rebounds. The Lynx, despite a quiet scoring night from all-star Napheesa Collier, managed to defeat Phoenix. Kayla McBride praised Williams and her deadly midrange shots, while Bridget Carleton’s three-pointer helped put the Lynx ahead in the fourth quarter. The teams went back and forth, with Dorka Juhasz’s score putting the Lynx up 75-68. Williams hit another shot to extend the lead, and Coach Reeve fist-bumped her in appreciation. Williams, who has played for multiple WNBA teams in nine seasons, feels at home in Minnesota. Both Williams and Coach Reeve discussed her place among the league’s top guards, highlighting her importance to the team’s success.

Angel Reese’s awareness of the criticisms of her game does not deter her. She recently broke the WNBA single-season rebounding record and continues to dominate on both ends of the court. Despite not being the tallest player, Reese’s high motor allows her to consistently grab offensive and defensive rebounds. She believes this skill translates immediately to the WNBA, unlike other aspects of the game. In a recent game against the Minnesota Lynx, Reese had 19 rebounds, bringing her season total to 418 and surpassing Sylvia Fowles’ previous record. Reese also broke the record for offensive rebounds, previously held by Yolanda Griffith. She is averaging 13.1 rebounds per game and has 24 double-doubles this season, showcasing her consistency and dominance in the paint.

However, there are still areas where Reese needs to improve, such as her efficiency around the rim. In her recent game, she had a lower shooting percentage and committed several turnovers. Despite her individual skills, Reese has not been able to lead her team to wins, as Chicago has lost six consecutive games, bringing their season record to 11-21. Nevertheless, Reese is still considered a superstar in the making. With eight more games left in the season, she has the opportunity to break another record for double-doubles. Her next challenge will be against the Las Vegas Aces, who have a record of 20-12 and have been performing well, recently defeating the Phoenix Mercury.

Reese’s determination to help her team end their losing streak is evident. Fans can find more highlights and content about Reese and the Sky on various platforms, including B/R’s website. The Sky will have a tough task ahead of them as they try to defeat the Aces in their next game. Reese’s impressive rebounding skills have already led her to break a season record, and she will continue to face some of the best rebounders in the WNBA. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, proving that hard work and determination can lead to remarkable achievements, even in the face of adversity.

Both Angel Reese and Teaira McCowan have shown that they are not just exceptional players but also leaders who can elevate their teams. Reese’s focus on ending her team’s losing streak and McCowan’s contributions to the Fever’s recent success highlight their commitment to team success. Their performances have brought much-needed attention to the WNBA, showcasing the league’s talent and competitiveness. As the season progresses, both players will continue to develop their skills and aim for even greater achievements. Their stories serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication required to excel at the highest level of professional basketball.

The future looks bright for both Reese and McCowan. With their impressive performances, they have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting playoff run. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these rising stars will continue to shape the landscape of the WNBA. Their ability to fill up the box scores, set records, and lead their teams makes them players to watch in the coming years. As they continue to hone their skills and gain experience, there is no doubt that they will leave an indelible mark on the league and inspire the next generation of basketball players.