The WNBA has been a stage for extraordinary talent, and the triple-double, a stat line signifying dominance in three key statistical categories – points, rebounds, and assists – remains one of the most celebrated individual achievements in basketball. For a player to achieve this feat, especially at a young age, speaks volumes about their versatility, court vision, and all-around impact. While the exact phrasing of “youngest player in the history of the team” can sometimes be ambiguous without specifying the team, the recent record-breaking performance of Angel Reese has brought this discussion to the forefront, solidifying her place in WNBA history.
As of current reporting (June 2025), Angel Reese, playing for the Chicago Sky, has indeed made significant waves by recording her first career triple-double. However, it’s crucial to clarify her specific historical standing. Angel Reese became the second youngest player in WNBA history to record a triple-double, achieving this remarkable feat at 23 years and 40 days old. The youngest player to ever record a triple-double in the WNBA is Caitlin Clark, who did so twice at 22 years of age during her rookie season.
Reese’s triple-double, which notably included 11 points, 11 assists, and 13 rebounds against the Connecticut Sun, marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning professional career. For a forward/center, her assist total was particularly impressive, showcasing a versatility and playmaking ability that adds another dimension to her already formidable rebounding and scoring prowess. This performance not only propelled her team to a win but also highlighted a concerted effort by her coaching staff to expand her offensive game, moving beyond her traditional role as a dominant rebounder and interior scorer.
The significance of a young player achieving a triple-double cannot be overstated. It demonstrates an advanced understanding of the game, a high basketball IQ, and the physical conditioning to impact all facets of play for an entire game. For Angel Reese, known for her relentless motor, tenacious rebounding, and competitive fire, adding a significant assist total to her stat sheet underscores her evolution as a professional athlete. Her ability to facilitate offense, find open teammates, and make critical passes showcases a growing maturity in her game that complements her already established strengths.
This achievement places Reese in elite company. The WNBA has a relatively short list of players who have recorded triple-doubles, and even fewer who have done so at such a young age. This list includes legends like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Candace Parker, as well as more recent stars like Sabrina Ionescu and Alyssa Thomas, who holds the all-time record for triple-doubles in the league. For Reese to join this esteemed group so early in her career, especially in her second professional season, is a testament to her immense potential and rapid development.
Beyond the statistical achievement, a triple-double, particularly one by a high-profile player like Angel Reese, generates significant buzz and attention for the WNBA. Her large following from her collegiate days at LSU, coupled with the ongoing narrative surrounding her and other impactful rookies, ensures that such milestones resonate widely. This kind of performance helps to draw new viewers to the league and maintains the heightened engagement that has characterized the recent surge in WNBA popularity.
For the Chicago Sky, Reese’s triple-double is a clear indication of her growing influence on the team’s overall success. Her ability to contribute across points, rebounds, and assists means she can impact games even when her scoring might not be at its peak. This versatility makes her a more dangerous and unpredictable opponent, forcing defenses to account for her in multiple ways. It also speaks to the collective effort of the team, as her high assist total implies that her teammates were converting her passes into points, reflecting good offensive flow and chemistry.
The context of Reese’s journey adds another layer to this achievement. Coming into the WNBA with immense expectations and a collegiate career filled with individual accolades and a national championship, she has faced constant scrutiny. Her transition to the professional game has been closely watched, and moments like this triple-double serve as powerful affirmations of her talent and potential at the next level. It’s a clear message that she is not just a rebounder, or a physical presence, but a multi-dimensional player capable of stuffing the stat sheet in impactful ways.
In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s basketball, where new stars are continually emerging and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, Angel Reese’s triple-double is a significant marker. It highlights her individual growth, her commitment to expanding her game, and her pivotal role in the Chicago Sky’s aspirations. While Caitlin Clark holds the record for the absolute youngest to achieve the feat, Reese’s accomplishment at 23 years and 40 days old still places her firmly among the league’s youngest and most impactful players to reach this rare statistical plateau. It’s a moment that will be remembered as a key highlight in her career, further cementing her status as one of the WNBA’s most exciting and versatile talents.
