Chicago Sky Pull Classless Move To Keep Angel Reese Double-Double Streak Alive
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese set the WNBA record for most consecutive double-doubles after recording her 13th straight during an 84-71 loss to Seattle on Sunday.
She broke the previous record set by Candace Parker back in 2009 and 2010. But, apparently, Reese and the Sky have no desire to see that streak end anytime soon.
In a WNBA yearly tradition, several teams host afternoon games to allow young girls at summer camps to attend games while on vacation from school.
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The Sky had an 11 a.m. tip-off on Wednesday against the Atlanta Dream, one of four teams not currently occupying a playoff spot in the WNBA.
Chicago was favored entering the contest, but it was a close battle that entered the fourth quarter all tied at 54 points.
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese nearly saw her double-double streak end, but the team wasn't about to let that happen.
(Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
But the Sky took control in the final frame at home, outscoring the Dream 24-15 to win by nine points. Except, they should have won by seven.
Angel Reese entered the fourth quarter with double-digit rebounds (11) and added two more in the quarter. But she only had seven points, putting her streak in jeopardy.
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She struggled to score in the final quarter, missing two layups over the first nine minutes. With 25 seconds left, she finally converted a layup to give the Sky a five-point lead.
It was a crucial bucket for the team, but left Reese one point away from 10 points.
Angel Reese double-double streak appeared to be over, but Chicago Sky teammate made sure it didn't end.
The Dream failed to score on their ensuing possession and the Sky hit two free throws after an intentional foul. Atlanta once again failed to score and were content to let the clock run out and end the game.
Rather than just dribble out the rest of the clock, like almost every basketball team does in that situation, Chicago guard Chennedy Carter decided to get the ball to Reese, who was calling for a pass.
Clearly, Reese knew she needed those points to get into double-figures and, despite the game being over, she wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to pad the stats and add to her record.
Ultimately, Dream forward Tina Charles fouled Reese as she tried to get to the hoop to get her bucket. That sent Reese to the free-throw line for two meaningless – at least in terms of the actual game – foul shots.
She hit both, "earning" her 14th consecutive double-double.
The WNBA official social media team wrote that Reese iced the game with those free throws. However, the game was already "iced."
After the game, Carter said she had no idea that Reese needed one point for a double-double. However, she said her teammates, coach and Reese let her know.
"I looked at [head coach Teresa Weatherspoon], I looked at the bench, and they were like ‘throw it in,’ throw it in,'" Carter said.
Angel Reese sinks a meaningless free throw in the final seconds of a win over the Atlanta Dream to secure her 14th consecutive double-double.
(Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Look, we've seen players do things like this before, but this push to make sure Angel Reese is front-and-center at all times feels over-the-top.
Also, for someone who talks about her teammates all the time, Reese was VERY aware of her stats in this game and BEGGED for the ball to make sure she "got hers."
So, the streak continues. But, perhaps, it deserves a bit of an asterisk.