Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers: From Rivals to All-Star Teammates
For Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, earning her spot as a WNBA All-Star represents the culmination of childhood dreams and relentless dedication to basketball excellence. The young forward has carried aspirations of playing on basketball’s biggest stages since her earliest days picking up a basketball, and now that she’s achieved that milestone, she’s determined to maximize every opportunity that comes her way. Reese has never shied away from the spotlight that accompanies elite-level basketball, embracing the attention and pressure that comes with being one of the league’s rising stars.
However, what truly energizes Reese beyond individual accolades and media attention is the opportunity to compete in winning environments alongside exceptional basketball talent. The All-Star weekend provided her with exactly that kind of environment, giving her the chance to share the court with established superstars and fellow rising talents. Playing alongside established veterans like Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins, and Breanna Stewart offered Reese valuable insights into what it takes to maintain excellence at the highest level of professional women’s basketball.
Yet among all the talented players she had the privilege of playing with during All-Star weekend, one teammate stood out as particularly special for Reese. Sharing the court with Dallas Wings rookie sensation Paige Bueckers created a moment that felt almost surreal for the Chicago Sky forward, representing a unique convergence of their parallel basketball journeys. The experience of finally playing on the same side as Bueckers, rather than competing against her, provided Reese with a fresh perspective on their longstanding competitive relationship.
The connection between Reese and Bueckers extends far beyond their recent All-Star collaboration, rooted in years of parallel development through the elite levels of women’s basketball. Their paths have been intertwined since their high school recruiting days, when both players were recognized as the premier talents in their respective recruiting class. “I’ve known Paige for a long time. We were the No. 1 and No. 2 players in our [recruiting] class, so we’ve been in a relationship for a really long time,” Reese explained to Karli Bell before the All-Star game.
This long history of competitive rivalry has gradually evolved into mutual respect and what Reese describes as a genuine friendship between two elite athletes. Throughout their college careers and now in the professional ranks, they’ve primarily faced each other as opponents, creating a dynamic where they’ve pushed each other to higher levels of performance. The All-Star game represented a rare opportunity for them to combine their talents toward a common goal rather than competing against one another.
The limited sample size of their collaboration during the All-Star game suggested that pairing Reese and Bueckers on the same team could be a formula for basketball success. Both players contributed significantly to their team’s commanding 20-point victory, showcasing how their complementary skills could work in harmony rather than opposition. Their chemistry on the court appeared natural despite their history as rivals, suggesting that their mutual understanding of each other’s games could translate into effective teamwork.
With the All-Star festivities now concluded, both players have returned to their respective teams to finish what has been a challenging season for both franchises. Neither the Chicago Sky nor the Dallas Wings find themselves in playoff contention, but both Reese and Bueckers continue to post impressive individual statistics that highlight their exceptional talents. Reese currently leads the entire WNBA in rebounding with an average of 12.6 rebounds per game while simultaneously working to expand and improve her offensive skill set.
Meanwhile, Bueckers has established herself as the clear frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award through her outstanding all-around production for Dallas. The former UConn standout is averaging 18.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, demonstrating the well-rounded excellence that made her the number one overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Her seamless transition to the professional level has validated the high expectations that surrounded her entry into the league.
As Reese prepares to close out her second WNBA season on a strong note, she reflected on the unique experience of finally playing alongside someone who has been both rival and friend throughout their basketball journeys. The All-Star game provided a glimpse into what their relationship might look like when competitive pressures are set aside in favor of collaboration. “It’s good to finally be able to play together instead of playing against each other,” Reese noted, capturing the essence of their evolved relationship.
The experience has likely given both players a new appreciation for each other’s games and personalities, potentially strengthening a bond that began through competition but has grown into mutual admiration. As they continue their professional careers, the memory of their All-Star collaboration will serve as a reminder that some of basketball’s greatest rivalries can coexist with genuine friendship and respect between competitors.