Angel Reese was in no mood to celebrate setting a franchise record for the Chicago Sky on Thursday night after her team was dominated by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA’s return.
In the third quarter, Reese set a Sky franchise record for most offensive rebounds in a single season, breaking the record set by Sylvia Fowles (117) in 2013.
But after Kahleah Copper scored 29 points – supported by fellow American Brittney Griner with 23 points – Reese gave a reporter a blunt response about her performance when she spoke to the media after the game.
“I know you care more about results than records, but you set another record today,” the reporter began, before Reese shook her head and interrupted.
“No, I don’t want to hear that there’s no record today,” Reese replied, before the reporter could finish his question.
Angel Reese Was Not Impressed By A Question About Her New Chicago Sky Record
Reese broke the Sky franchise record of 117 for most offensive rebounds in a single season
The Sky rookie spoke more about the respect she has for Mercury after such a performance, especially Griner.
“She’s a great player, very efficient tonight,” Reese said. “Just being able to follow the game plan was something we didn’t do.
‘We get another chance on Sunday and I’m looking forward to it.’
Reese also recorded her 18th double-double of the season in this game with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Sky were without star player Chennedy Carter, who missed the match with an illness unrelated to Covid.
She was suspended just hours before the tournament kicked off. The news came a day after she criticized ESPN for ranking her 24th on its list of the WNBA’s top 25 players of the season so far.
“Chennedy is one of the best guards in this league,” Reese said. “We understand that and we know how valuable she is to this team.
‘Not being able to have her tonight was of course a big test for us, but the most important thing for us is that she is healthy again.’
It was also the Sky’s first game without guard Marina Mabrey, who transferred to the Connecticut Sun before the Olympic break.
Thursday’s loss leaves Sky at 10-15 for the season.
The next game for Reese and her team is Saturday night in California, where they play the Los Angeles Sparks, followed by the return game against the Mercury in Phoenix.
Meanwhile, the Mercury is 14-12 after Thursday’s win.
Leading scorer Copper was one of three Mercury players returning to the WNBA after winning Olympic gold for Team USA, joining Griner and Diana Taurasi, who scored 11 points that night.