The Washington Wizards saw a major breakout performance from two-way rookie Julian Reese in their 122-112 loss to the Jazz. Reese recorded 18 points, 20 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. It wasn’t just an impressive outing for the youngster’s third NBA game. It also led to some WNBA-NBA crossover history. Reese’s sister is Chicago Sky star Angel Reese, who quickly established herself as one of the best rebounders in the W.
The two are now the first sibling duo to each have 20-rebound games in the NBA/ WNBA. And they both did it as rookies.
Julian Reese & Angel Reese are the first brother-sister duo in NBA/WNBA history to each have a 20-rebound game in their respective leagues.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) March 6, 2026
Both accomplished the feat as rookies. pic.twitter.com/cWjh48AFXi
So how do the Raptors factor into this? Well, the Wizards never would have signed Julian Reese if he hadn’t had a chance to prove himself in the G League with the Raptors 905.
Rebounding is a Reese family thing
Julian Reese was already a strong rebounder in college. In his senior year, he averaged nine rebounds per game and recorded several double-doubles.
With that, he very much followed the example his older sister set for him. Angel Reese is one of the most prolific rebounders in the WNBA. She averaged a double-double in both of her two seasons with the Sky and broke several records. For example, she holds the record for most consecutive games with at least 15 rebounds, the record for most consecutive double-doubles, and the record for the most offensive boards in a single season.
Julian Reese has a chance to prove that his game against the Jazz wasn’t a fluke
After going undrafted, Reese played for the Lakers during Summer League. In October, he earned an Exhibit 10 contract with the Toronto Raptors before ending up on the Raptors 905 roster.
Reese played fairly well in the G League, earning his first shot to play real NBA minutes and prove that he belongs. The Wizards are one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference with a 16-46 record, so Reese should get a few more opportunities to play significant minutes this season.
For the Wizards, signing Reese is also a win off the court because it comes with his sister’s attention. Angel Reese’s stardom goes far beyond the basketball court. She has had successful ventures into fashion, modelling, and TV, and has over five million followers on Instagram. If she’s paying attention to the Wizards, then many of her fans are too.
Angel and Julian Reese aren’t the only NBA-WNBA siblings
Insane athleticism, great work ethic, and basketball skills often run in the family. So, it’s no surprise that several brother-sister duos are balling out in the NBA and WNBA.
Janelle and Tidjane Salaün play for the Golden State Valkyries and Charlotte Hornets, respectively. Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams is Chicago Sky forward Elizabeth Williams’ brother. The former’s teammate, Amir Coffey, also has a sister in the W: Dream forward Nia Coffey.
Some other duos still have a chance to rejoin that list. T.J. McConnell’s sister Megan McConnell signed with the Mercury in 2025, but her season was cut short by an injury. Likewise, Iliana Rupert’s brother Rayan Rupert still has a chance to get back into the NBA full-time. He is currently on a two-way contract with the Grizzlies.
Before them, Candace Parker and her brother Anthony Parker played in the WNBA and NBA as well as JaVale McGee and Imani McGee-Stafford. The McGee siblings are a particularly special duo because their mother, Pam McGee, also played in the WNBA.