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Angel Reese's historic third straight 20-rebound game goes viral for all the wrong reasons

Angel Reese has done it again.

The WNBA star rookie rewritten the history books with her third consecutive 20-plus rebound game, delivering an 11-point, 22-rebound performance in the Sky's heartbreaking 77-75 loss to the two-time defending champion Aces.

Reese is the first player in WNBA history to have 20 or more rebounds in three consecutive games, and doing so as a 22-year-old rookie is another example of a performance that suggests her career isn't over yet.

As impressive as Reese's numbers were, one particular sequence from her performance is going viral for all the wrong reasons. Here's a closer look at what happened and why it shouldn't be used against the newbie.

MORE: How Angel Reese's fan base helped secure Hershey's sponsorship

Angel Reese Viral Rebound Sequence

Reese, who entered the fourth quarter with just three offensive rebounds for Chicago, grabbed four more rebounds in less than 10 seconds. Yes, you read that right – Reese grabbed four offensive rebounds in nine seconds.

After grabbing a long rebound at the free throw circle, Reese tried to score against reigning Defensive Player of the Year A'ja Wilson. Reese missed her first attempt, struggled with the offensive rebound, then missed another attempt that she couldn't put back in the net.

Reese grabbed the missed tip-in for the fourth offensive rebound of the sequence and drew a foul that sent her to the line, where she secured a double-double with her free throws.

In her rookie season, Reese was criticized for her inefficiency at the basket and accusations of inflating her stats, but a closer look shows the opposite.

First of all, Wilson is one of the most difficult players to score or rebound at the basket. The fact that Reese has been so persistent at the basket is a reminder of her unique ability and second breakthrough as an offensive rebounder, something that caught the eye of Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett.

As for the statistics fraud, Stephen Noh of Sporting News has debunked those claims, and that should put them to rest once and for all.

MORE: A'ja Wilson draws attention with mid-game interview criticizing officials

Angel Reese stats today against Aces

Despite the loss, Reese played a complete game against Las Vegas, recording her 22nd double-double of the season, thanks in part to her dominance on the boards. In addition to her points and rebounds, Reese blocked two shots and dished out an assist.

  • 11 points
  • 22 rebounds (10 offensive)
  • 1 template
  • 2 blocks
  • 3 ball losses
  • 4-16 (25.0 percent) field goal shots
  • 3-4 (75.0 percent) free throws

With Sunday's loss, Chicago has now lost three games in a row and is in danger of being eliminated from the WNBA playoffs.

Despite the circumstances, Reese posted an encouraging message on X (formerly Twitter) that can be interpreted as both a look ahead to the final stretch of the season and her series of impressive performances.

“If it were easy, everyone would do it. We are good! #skytown”

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