In a highly anticipated matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Phoenix Mercury, rookie sensation Angel Reese made a statement by blocking a shot from WNBA legend Diana Taurasi on Thursday night.
As the WNBA season resumed after a month-long break for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Sky found themselves struggling in the first half, trailing 50-28 to Phoenix. With star guard Chennedy Carter out due to a non-COVID-related illness, Chicago’s offense faltered, lacking the spark and cohesion needed to keep up with the Mercury.
Defensively, the Sky didn’t fare much better, but Reese delivered a highlight moment late in the second quarter. With just 40 seconds remaining, Taurasi drove to the basket, but Reese swooped in to block her shot. Reese then secured the ball, dribbled down the court, and passed it to Rachel Banham, one of Chicago’s recent acquisitions from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for Marina Mabrey.
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Despite this impressive defensive play, it was a quiet first half overall for Reese, who logged 3 points and 8 rebounds in 17 minutes. Taurasi, meanwhile, had a modest performance with 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 14 minutes, as the Mercury leaned on fellow Olympian Kahleah Copper, who racked up 17 points in her first game against her former team since leaving Chicago in the offseason.
As the Sky headed into the locker room, Reese and her teammates were undoubtedly focused on regrouping and aiming for a stronger showing in the second half.
