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Angel Reese returned from a back injury last week and has had an immediate impact for the Chicago Sky. Averaging 17.0 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists over the last three games, Reese helped her team end a five-game drought by defeating the defending champions New York Liberty. However, during that timespan, the Sky were officially eliminated from the WNBA playoffs.
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On Monday, Reese and the Sky were back in action, looking to avoid another losing streak as they hosted A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces. This also happened to be the night that Chicago retired Candace Parker’s jersey.
WNBA Gives Reese New Nickname
Monday’s game between the Sky and Aces carried major postseason implications despite Chicago already being eliminated. A win by Las Vegas, which would be its 11th straight, would clinch a playoff spot for the Aces.
Ahead of the important matchup, the WNBA advertised the game by sharing fitting nicknames for both Reese and Wilson, respectively.
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“LIL’ A VS. BIG A 🤩,” the WNBA wrote on X with a video of Reese and Wilson walking into Wintrust Arena. “Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson are in the building for tonight’s matchup! Don’t miss it at 8pm/ET on League Pass!
Comparing Reese and Wilson
After starring at Maryland and LSU, Reese entered the WNBA as the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft. She quickly adjusted to the pros, earning an All-Star nod in her rookie season. Through 60 career games, she is averaging 14.0 points and 12.7 rebounds, and she set the single-season rebounding record as a rookie.
However, due to a late-season injury in 2024, Wilson went on to break Reese’s rebounding record.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during a WNBA game against the Connecticut Sun© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Still, Reese is in good company to be mentioned with a great like Wilson. The former South Carolina forward is arguably the best player in the WNBA, winning three championships and three MVP awards. This season, Wilson is still playing at a high level, averaging 23.2 points and 10.2 rebounds.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.