The return of WNBA action means the return of two incredibly talented rookies to the floor in their heated rivalry.

While Caitlin Clark still has to wait a day before returning to the floor, Angel Reese was back in action on Thursday as her Chicago Sky took on the Phoenix Mercury.

Early on in the first quarter, with Chicago already trailing 15-2, Reese put up a highlight play that announced her return to action.

Guard Lindsay Allen floated a high inbound pass to Reese that the former LSU Tiger caught in mid-air before promptly putting it away and then getting a foul call after Natasha Cloud pushed her.

Reese converted the and-one foul shot in order to cut Chicago’s deficit down to ten with plenty of time left in the quarter.

Angel Reese put up this tough shot and sank it even while getting fouled early against Phoenix

But the Sky couldn’t handle the return of Phoenix’s Team USA stars as Chicago lost 85-65.

Kahleah Copper, the star of the Gold Medal Match against France, put up 29 points on a 12-for-19 shooting line.

Brittney Griner shot an even more impressive 10-of-12 to get 23 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

Diana Taurasi, who didn’t see any action in the France game, had the third-best scoring mark for the Mercury with 11 points, two rebounds, and four assists.

Reese, meanwhile, managed to put up a double-double of 11 points and 15 rebounds, but did so on a poor 4-of-14 shooting line.

Chicago was led by Dana Evans’ 14 points off the bench, with Kamila Cardoso’s ten points, and five rebounds also a notable contribution.

Kahleah Copper continued her fine form from the Olympics - leading Phoenix in points
Kahleah Copper continued her fine form from the Olympics – leading Phoenix in points

Brittney Griner (42) also had a dominant game, putting up 23 points and nine rebounds

Brittney Griner (42) also had a dominant game, putting up 23 points and nine rebounds

Reese has been in a tight battle for the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year honor with Clark and has all the accolades to back up that recognition.

She’s averaging a double-double with 13.5 points and a league-second-best mark of 11.9 rebounds per game.

But Clark is right there with her for the honor – averaging 17.1 points a game (good for 14th in the league) and dishing out a league-best 8.2 assists.