Angel Reese Shines with First Career Triple-Double as Sky Upset Sun 78–66 — Hailey Van Lith Hits Career-High, Mabrey’s 22 Points Not Enough

Angel Reese made history on Tuesday night, and she did it with authority.

The Chicago Sky rookie sensation notched the first triple-double of her young WNBA career, posting 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in a stunning 78–66 win over the powerhouse Connecticut Sun. Reese also added 3 steals and 2 blocks to round out a dominant all-around performance, signaling she’s not just here to compete—she’s here to take over.

For a player who entered the league surrounded by noise, scrutiny, and sky-high expectations, this game was more than just numbers. It was a statement.

“It’s not just about scoring,” Reese said postgame, her signature smile beaming. “It’s about impacting the game in every way possible—passing, rebounding, defending. I’m proud of how our team came together tonight.”

The win improved Chicago’s record to 3–7 on the season, snapping a three-game losing streak and injecting new life into a team that has struggled to find rhythm early in the year.

Triple-Double Magic

Reese’s performance marked one of the most impressive displays by a rookie in recent WNBA memory. The 11-13-12 stat line may not scream headline-grabbing scoring, but it speaks volumes about her growing versatility and basketball IQ. Her court vision and unselfishness were on full display, especially in the second half, where she orchestrated the offense with poise far beyond her years.

“Angel was incredible,” said interim head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. “She controlled the game without forcing it. That’s rare. That’s leadership.”

Reese became just the second rookie in franchise history to record a triple-double, and the first Sky player to do it in a win this season.

Hailey Van Lith Breaks Through

Reese wasn’t the only standout for Chicago. Fellow rookie and LSU alum Hailey Van Lith delivered her best performance in the WNBA to date, scoring a career-high 16 points. Known more for her playmaking and defense early in the season, Van Lith found her rhythm offensively, knocking down mid-range jumpers and attacking the paint with confidence.

“I’ve been working hard to find my spots and trust my shot,” Van Lith said. “It felt good to finally break through.”

The Reese–Van Lith duo, once dominant at the college level, is beginning to click again in the pros—and it couldn’t come at a better time for the Sky.

Marina Mabrey Fights to Keep Sun in the Game

While Connecticut entered the game heavily favored, they struggled to contain Chicago’s energy and physicality. Marina Mabrey led the Sun with 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 made three-pointers, but her scoring burst wasn’t enough to overcome the Sky’s balanced attack.

“We came out flat,” said Sun head coach Stephanie White. “Credit to Chicago—they played with urgency and executed their game plan.”

Connecticut now falls to 9–2 on the season, snapping a six-game winning streak and exposing a few cracks in their defensive rotation.

Sky’s Supporting Cast Steps Up

Beyond Reese and Van Lith, Chicago saw key contributions across the board. Veteran forward Elizabeth Williams anchored the defense with timely stops and interior toughness. Dana Evans added 9 points off the bench and helped control the tempo late in the fourth quarter.

“We knew we needed everyone to step up,” Reese said. “It was a total team effort.”

The Sky out-rebounded the Sun 42–31, a stat that underscored their commitment to physical play and hustle.

A Turning Point?

While still early in the season, this win feels like a potential pivot point for the Sky. With growing chemistry between their young stars, better execution on both ends, and now a signature win over one of the league’s best teams, Chicago is beginning to show signs of the team they hope to become.

“We’re building something here,” Weatherspoon said. “And tonight was a glimpse of what that can look like.”

The Sky will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to face the Las Vegas Aces later this week—a daunting test, but one they now approach with renewed confidence.