By
Christopher Smith
Jun 24, 2024 at 12:48 AM ET
CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky pulled off a thrilling 88-87 victory over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Sunday evening. Angel Reese continued to shine by notching her eighth straight double-double. After the game, Reese shared a touching moment with WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes.
Swoopes was in attendance for Sunday’s game, and it did not take long for Angel Reese to find and hug her after the Sky’s comeback victory:
Christopher Smith@ChrisSmith1721·Follow
Angel Reese shared an emotional moment with WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes after the Sky’s thrilling win over the Fever:
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Sheryl Swoopes is a WNBA legend in every sense of the description. She was the first player ever to sign with the WNBA in 1996, and she earned numerous honors while in the league. The Hall of Famer was a three-time MVP, six-time All-Star, and four-time champion. Swoops spent the first ten years of her career with the Houston Comets. Then, she joined the Seattle Storm in 2008 before finishing her career with the Tulsa Shock.
Reese revealed some of what Swoopes said to her during their embrace and noted the honor of having the legend’s support.
“She said she’s proud of me. Being able to have Sheryl Swoopes in your corner [is amazing]. She talked to me before I even entered my name in the draft, and she told me she believed in me. Being able to have a person like that in my corner is what I’ve always needed. She understands me. She knows what I’ve been through. And just being able to have that is something that’s super inspiring for me,” Reese said during the post-game press conference.
Swoopes’ support means the world to Reese, but the WNBA legend was not the only one cheering during Sunday’s thriller.
Stars show up for thrilling Sky-Fever matchup
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Several celebrities and athletes were in attendance for the sell-out, marquee matchup. The list included actor Jason Sudeikis, Chance the Rapper, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, and Lil Durk. Chicago and Indiana did not disappoint their audience.
Caitlin Clark came out firing, going 2-for-2 on her first two three-pointers. Furthermore, she had an outstanding playmaking day. She ended the matchup with 17 points and a whopping 13 assists. However, Angel Reese fired back with her own stout performance.
Reese finished the night with 25 points and 13 rebounds. She was huge down the stretch for the Sky.Fever forward NaLyssa Smith scored a post-up basket on Angel Reese late in the fourth quarter and gave her the “too little” celebration. But Reese immediately responded with an and-one bucket. This sparked a tirade that allowed Chicago to retain momentum and put the Fever away.
Reese thoughtfully reflected after her play helped Chicago move to 6-9 on the season.
“Just being consistent,” Reese said. “That’s the most important thing for me. I was efficient tonight, finally. Didn’t get in foul trouble, and got some rebounds. I turned the ball over three times, but I’m just getting better. I feel like I’m gaining confidence more. I’ve watched film with [assistant coach David Simon]. He’s done a great job with me being able to do player development. He showed me every shot I missed around the basket. I’m getting and-ones and I’m getting more efficient. So I just continue to try to grow every game.”
Christopher Smith is a sports journalist who primarily covers the NBA, NCAA Basketball, NFL, and NCAA Football for ClutchPoints. The Aurora, Illinois native received his education from Creighton University, and he has bylines at Last Word on Sports and FanSided.
