UPDATE: Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is making headlines as her performance surges just before the WNBA All-Star Game this Saturday in Indianapolis. Coach Tyler Marsh has confirmed that the team is relying heavily on Reese to elevate their game amid growing injury concerns.
Reese’s recent performance has been a game-changer for the Sky, who currently sit at 7-15 and are desperate for a playoff push. After struggling early this season, she has averaged an impressive 17.2 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4 assists over her last 11 games, showcasing her potential to be more than just a rebounder—something Marsh emphasized during the team’s media day.
Speaking after the Sky’s recent victory over the Minnesota Lynx, Reese stated, “I just trust my work. I put in the work every day… When I have teammates that put a lot of confidence in me… it makes my job easier.” This newfound confidence comes after a rocky start, where she averaged only 10.4 points on 33.7% shooting in her first ten games.
The Sky struggled to find their identity early in the season, with a dismal 3-7 record and a point differential of minus 114. Reese’s early inability to contribute beyond rebounding had left the team vulnerable, especially with a shooting percentage of just 40.5% overall and 29.6% from three-point range.
However, a pivotal moment came during a June 10 loss against the New York Liberty, when veteran teammate Ariel Atkins defended Reese against online scrutiny, saying, “This is a 23-year-old kid… she still shows up.” This support has been crucial for Reese, who described Atkins as a “big sister” and a vital presence in the locker room.
Despite her impressive stats, Reese missed a recent game against the Atlanta Dream due to a leg injury. Coach Marsh called her absence precautionary but confirmed that her status for the All-Star Game is uncertain. This raises concerns for the Sky, who have not made the playoffs for two consecutive seasons and are currently ranked 11th in the league.
Reese’s performance is critical for the Sky’s ambitions, as every game counts in their quest to turn the season around. Marsh has reiterated his commitment to utilizing Reese’s diverse skill set, stating, “There’s probably not a spot on the floor where I haven’t used her yet… She’s that good and she’s that capable.”
As the Sky prepare for the upcoming All-Star weekend and a critical second half of the season, all eyes will be on Reese and whether she can maintain her momentum despite injury setbacks. Fans and teammates alike remain hopeful that her hard work and resilience will pay off, igniting a spark that could lead Chicago back into playoff contention.
Stay tuned for updates on Reese’s condition leading up to the All-Star Game and what it means for the Chicago Sky’s season.
