Angel Reese’s historic WNBA rookie season over after wrist injury

Angel Reese’s historic rookie season is over. The Chicago Sky forward took to social media Saturday night to say she has a season-ending injury, which the team confirmed is her wrist.

“What a year. I never thought the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe God said to give them a taste of what they’ll see in year 2 lol,” Reese wrote. “I showed them that I belong in this league even when no one else believed in me. All I ever wanted was to get to the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I did that and will strive to continue to do so.”

Reese, the No. 7 overall pick in the draft, finished the season averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds, the highest rebounding average in WNBA history. Reese also set the rookie record with 26 double-doubles — her last coming in a 92-78 win over Los Angeles on Friday night.

Reese has been intertwined with Indiana rookie Caitlin Clark since the two faced off in the NCAA championship game two years ago, with Reese’s LSU team taking home the win. The two have helped the WNBA soar in television ratings, attendance and merchandise sales this season.

Earlier in the season, Reese had 15 consecutive games with a double-double to break the league record. She also set the record for total rebounds in a season, surpassing Sylvia Fowles’ record of 404. The Sky rookie finished with 446 total rebounds this year, including a career-high 172 on the offensive end. Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson has 406 rebounds this season.

Chicago is battling for the WNBA’s final playoff spot, tied with Atlanta for eighth place, and the Sky host Dallas on Sunday.

Reese will play in the new 3-on-3 league, Unrivaled, which launches in Miami this winter.