WNBA Preseason Highlights: Sky 101, Liberty 53

Angel Reese amassed 13 points, five rebounds and a pair of steals in just 19 minutes to help lead the Chicago Sky to an emphatic 101-53 preseason victory over the visiting New York Liberty on Tuesday.

The former LSU star entered the WNBA as the No. 7 overall pick in April after accumulating a phenomenal collegiate resume, including a national championship, 2023 unanimous first-team All-American honors and the 2023 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player of the Year award, among other accolades.

Reese has only played two pro preseason games, but early returns indicate she’ll meet the hype and then some on the next level.

In a 92-81 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, Reese had 13 points, nine rebounds and two steals in 24 minutes. She shot just 2-of-8 but got to the free throw line and made the most of it (9-of-10).

On Tuesday, Reese excelled against last year’s championship runner-up, which had all its starters suit up (Brenna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Courtney Vandersloot and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton).

Reese got it done in the paint against Liberty forward Brianna Fraser early on, backing her up before delivering a 10-foot hook shot plus the foul for a three-point play. She finished 6-of-10 shooting on the evening.

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 7: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky looks on during the game against the New York Liberty during the WNBA preseason game on May 7, 2024 at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

 

In the second half, Reese slipped down low and went back to work in the post, this time against Stewart. One fake, one tough dribble and a layup later led to a 51-28 lead.

Reese got it done on the other end too, stripping fellow rookie Marquesha Davis of the ball. That eventually led to a Marina Mabrey transition three.

Understandably, Reese entered the WNBA with plenty of attention and expectations alongside fellow rookie and teammate Kamilla Cardoso, who just won NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors en route to leading South Carolina to an undefeated season and a national championship.

Unfortunately, Cardoso is out four-to-six weeks with a shoulder injury suffered against the Lynx. That naturally puts the onus on Reese and others, such as Mabrey, Diamond DeShields, Dana Evans and Michaela Onyenwere, to pick up the slack and overcome a huge absence.

They certainly appeared up to the task and then some Tuesday, with Mabrey (20 points) and Evans (19) leading the scoring and Reese doing work all over the court.

That’s all for Sky preseason action, as the team’s next game will be for real at the Dallas Wings on Wednesday, May 15 to open the regular season.