Julian Reese, Wizards
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Julian Reese of the Washington Wizards makes NBA history.
Washington Wizards rookie center Julian Reese delivered a historic performance just three games into his NBA career — and his sister, WNBA rebounding star Angel Reese, was among the first to celebrate it.
Reese posted 18 points and 20 rebounds in the Wizards’ 122–112 loss to the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, setting multiple rookie benchmarks while announcing himself as one of the most intriguing young rebounders in the league.
Shortly after the performance, Angel Reese took to social media with a blunt message celebrating her brother’s breakout night.
“JUJU MF REESE. @Reese10Julian,” she wrote on X.
The stat line marked a major milestone for the undrafted rookie who signed a two-way contract with Washington earlier this season.
Julian Reese Records Historic 20-Rebound Game
Reese’s 20 rebounds were the most by any NBA rookie this season and the most by a Wizards rookie in more than three decades.
According to Associated Press, he became the first Wizards rookie since Tom Gugliotta in January 1993 to collect 20 rebounds in a game.
Reese also reached another rare milestone: he recorded 10 offensive rebounds and 10 defensive rebounds in the same game.
The last Wizards player to accomplish that feat was Antawn Jamison on Jan. 30, 2010, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
His rebounding dominance placed him in rare historical company.
According to BallisLife, Reese joined NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan as the only players in the past 40 years to record a 20-rebound performance within their first five NBA games.
Reese finished the night shooting 5-of-7 from the field, adding two assists and one steal across 38 minutes.
Angel Reese Celebrates Brother’s Breakout
GettyAngel Reese of the Chicago Sky was fired up after her brother Julian Reese made history in the NBA.
Angel Reese, one of the WNBA’s most dominant rebounders, has closely followed her younger brother’s early NBA journey.
The former LSU Tigers women’s basketball star — now a standout for the Chicago Sky — has quickly built a reputation as one of the league’s premier rebounders.
She became the youngest player in WNBA history to record a 20-rebound game, earning widespread attention for her relentless activity on the glass.
Julian said after the game that his sister remains one of his biggest supporters — and toughest critics.
“She hits me up before and after every game, just telling me what I need to do,” Reese said. “Watches the game, tries to text me at halftime. Sometimes I’ve got to get her off me a little bit, just try to tell her let me do what I do.”
Despite the occasional midgame advice, Reese said the relationship has been a major motivator.
“It’s just great having a sister like that, who’s always on me and just trying to see the best for her brother,” he added. “Especially while she’s busy doing stuff that she’s doing. Love her to death.”
Wizards Rookie’s Journey From Undrafted Prospect
Reese’s early NBA success comes after an unconventional path to the league.
The 6-foot-9 center went undrafted despite a productive college career at Maryland Terrapins men’s basketball, where he developed a reputation as one of the most physical rebounders in the Big Ten Conference.
During his senior season at Maryland, Reese averaged 13.7 points and 9.5 rebounds, leading the Terrapins in rebounding while showcasing strong interior defense and rim protection.
His rebounding instincts — a trait shared with his sister — helped him earn a two-way contract with Washington, giving him the opportunity to split time between the Wizards and their G League affiliate.
Wizards Show Fight Despite Loss to Jazz
While Reese’s performance stood out, the Wizards ultimately fell short against Utah.
The Jazz used a balanced offensive attack to secure the 122–112 victory, outscoring Washington late to close out the game.
Still, Reese’s effort on the glass provided a bright spot for the rebuilding Wizards.
His 20-rebound performance not only made franchise history but also suggested Washington may have uncovered an unexpected contributor in its frontcourt rotation.
For a player appearing in only his third NBA game, Reese’s historic night offered an early glimpse of the impact he could bring to the Wizards moving forward.