Angel Reese Shines Despite Sky’s Struggles in WNBA

Brooklyn, New York — Angel Reese, the 23-year-old forward for the Chicago Sky, had a standout performance on Tuesday night at Barclays Center, scoring a season-high 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds against the New York Liberty.

The game, which saw Reese shine in front of a crowd of 16,081, highlighted her immense talent and resilience during a challenging season for the Sky. “I love New York,” Reese said before the game. “It’s probably my favorite city to play in. This arena is legendary. Everybody wants to play here.”

Despite facing tough competition, Reese, who played 31 minutes, showcased her skills by shooting 61.5% from the field, including her second 3-pointer of the season. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. She recorded five turnovers and was called for a flagrant foul after a mid-court collision with Leonie Fiebich.

This performance marks a bounce-back moment for Reese, who has struggled early in the season with her scoring. Before this game, she averaged only 9.1 points on 30.9% shooting. Reese acknowledged the difficulties, saying, “I haven’t been playing well at all … I take accountability. I come in every day and try to be better than the last. I know my teammates trust me.”

Reese entered the game as the top rebounder in the league with an average of 12.3 rebounds per game. Last season, she made headlines by achieving 15 consecutive double-doubles, setting a WNBA record. This year, the addition of a new head coach and setbacks from injuries have added to the Sky’s struggles.

Sky head coach Tyler Marsh praised Reese’s effort against the Liberty. “I think what we saw tonight is who Angel is,” Marsh said. “She was great tonight, competing at both ends.” Marsh emphasized the importance of Reese’s approach in demanding her spots on the court.

Following the game, Reese faced questions about online scrutiny regarding her performance and rivalry with fellow player Caitlin Clark. “I know my teammates have my back, and that’s all that really matters,” she stated.

Despite mixed reactions from fans, Reese continues to garner attention for her talent, recently being awarded the BET Sportswoman of the Year. However, the award has sparked debate among fans regarding its fairness, especially compared to performances from A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier.

As Reese and the Sky look to turn their season around following a tough 2-6 start, her determination and recent performance may help reshape perceptions as they move forward.