Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson’s long-standing relationship was on full display following the Chicago Sky’s unexpected victory over the Las Vegas Aces, 93-85, on Tuesday night.
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Angel Reese shows ultimate respect for A’ja Wilson
Reese spoke candidly before the game about her admiration for Wilson, emphasizing the veteran’s influence on her career.
“I’ve been watching A’ja for a really long time even when she was in South Carolina,” Reese shared.
“I’ve been talking to her since I was in Maryland. She was mentoring me a little bit when I was at Maryland. We still have that kind of relationship. I’ve tried to admire my game after her, being able to take some things from her.”
Despite her reverence for Wilson, Reese made it clear that she was ready to compete without any hesitation.
“I can’t go out here and look like, ‘This is somebody I idolize,'”Reese said.
“This is competition every time I go out there.”
Reese’s resolve was evident as she contributed significantly to the Sky’s triumph, recording a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.
Her performance helped Chicago maintain their lead, even as the Aces, led by Wilson, mounted a fierce comeback.
Wilson’s brilliance was undeniable in the Aces’ loss
She finished the game with 28 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, and three steals, showcasing why she is considered one of the best players in the WNBA.
Despite trailing by as many as 13 points in the second half, Wilson’s efforts kept the Aces within striking distance.
Chennedy Carter played a pivotal role for the Sky, leading all scorers with 34 points.
The combined efforts of Reese and her teammates, including Kamilla Cardoso who pulled down eight rebounds, ensured that Chicago controlled the glass with a 35-26 rebounding advantage, limiting the Aces’ second-chance opportunities.
A’ja Wilson acknowledged the wake-up call provided by the loss.
“I think we kind of needed this to kind of wake us up a little bit. To tell us we have a lot more work to do, because sometimes, when you’re winning games and streaking out a little bit, things get lost in the sauce,”Wilson explained.
“And so when you have games like this, where you kind of get senioritis, it’s kind of helpful to get punched in the mouth, like today.”
While the Aces, with a 16-8 record, remain strong contenders for the postseason, the Sky, now 10-14, demonstrated their potential with their young core of Carter, Reese, and Cardoso.
The victory highlights the promise of Chicago’s future as they continue to develop and strive for a playoff berth.
