Star selection: 'I'm just so happy'

Tuesday, Angel Reese made WNBA history as she recorded her . That extended the mark she set last time out to move past Candace Parker for most such games in a single WNBA season.

But after the victory over the Atlanta Dream, the former star found out she made even more history. She became a WNBA All-Star.

Reese and Caitlin Clark highlighted the list of WNBA All-Stars announced on ESPN Tuesday night. It marks the first time two rookies made the team since 2014, and they'll join a star-studded group in Phoenix July 20. The news came down shortly after the Sky beat the Dream – and Reese was emotional in her postgame press conference.

"They just told me I'm an All-Star," Reese said . "I'm just so happy. I know the work I put in. Coming into this league, so many people doubted me and didn't think my game would translate and I wouldn't be the player that I was in college or better or would be worse or wouldn't be where I am right now. But I trusted the process and I believed, and I'm thankful that I dropped to 7 and was able to come to Chicago.

"It's just a blessing. I can't thank my teammates and my coaches enough for believing in me and trusting me. I know all of them are gonna come to Phoenix and support me. I'm really happy right now."

Reese – the No. 7 overall pick in April's WNBA Draft – entered Tuesday with impressive numbers during her rookie campaign, averaging 13.3 points and 11.4 rebounds. She also recorded her 11th consecutive double-double with 12 points and 19 rebounds to help the Sky improve to 6-11 on the season with Tuesday night's victory.

While the scoring has been important, Angel Reese has made her presence known on the glass. Her ability to pull down rebounds, particularly on offense, has the Sky at No. 4 in the WNBA in second-chance points with 11.5 per game. That was an area many thought she would succeed right away in the W, and that has been the case so far as she earned her first All-Star selection.