Six Straight Games With 15 Rebounds: Angel Reese Makes History, but Washington Wins the Final Possession

FAIRFAX, Va.: Angel Reese delivered another extraordinary rebounding performance Tuesday night.

The Chicago Sky still lost.

Reese finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds and four assists, extending her league-record streak of games with at least 15 rebounds to six.

But Washington center Shakira Austin drew a foul with 2.8 seconds remaining and made both free throws, giving the Mystics an 81–79 victory at EagleBank Arena.

The result illustrated the difficulty of Chicago's season.

One player can produce historically significant numbers while the team struggles to finish close games.

A contest without separation

The matchup featured 10 lead changes and 14 ties.

Neither team established lasting control.

Chicago received 20 points and seven rebounds from Elizabeth Williams, whose performance helped support Reese's interior production.

Rachel Banham added 13 points behind three made three-pointers.

Ariel Atkins contributed 11 points, five assists, three steals and two blocks.

Those contributions gave the Sky enough offense to compete.

But Washington repeatedly answered.

The game entered its final minute with the result undecided.

Banham rescues one possession

The Mystics moved ahead 77–74 with 56.3 seconds remaining.

Washington had created separation through a Sonia Citron three-pointer and a Brittney Sykes jumper.

Chicago needed an immediate answer.

Banham connected from beyond the arc, tying the game.

Austin responded with a layup, restoring Washington's two-point lead.

Reese then drew a foul with 14.9 seconds remaining.

She made both free throws.

The game was tied again, 79–79.

Chicago had survived two late deficits.

But the final possession belonged to Washington.

Austin finishes at the line

Austin drew a foul with 2.8 seconds remaining.

She made both free throws.

The Mystics led 81–79.

Chicago could not produce another tying basket.

The game ended.

For the Sky, the difference was two points and one final defensive possession.

The narrow margin was painful because Chicago had received productive performances from several players and repeatedly answered Washington's scoring.

But effective late-game execution includes avoiding unnecessary fouls.

The Mystics capitalized when the opportunity arrived.

Reese's record deserves recognition

Six consecutive games with at least 15 rebounds is a remarkable achievement.

Rebounding requires positioning, anticipation and repeated physical effort.

Reese has demonstrated those qualities against different opponents and defensive approaches.

Her consistency also provides Chicago with valuable additional possessions.

But the Sky's broader challenge remains converting those opportunities into victories.

The team fell to 5–13.

Reese's production is becoming historically significant.

Chicago must find a way to make the scoreboard reflect it more frequently.