The Chicago Sky's preseason schedule had proven to be a roaring success until their narrow defeat against the Lynx on May 11. The Sky narrowly lost the game 87-92. This was the only defeat in the franchise's preseason matchups.
However, it was a timely reality check that reminded Sky supporters that some issues cannot be ironed out overnight.
Angel Reese's rookie issues still linger
Angel Reese had displayed a vast improvement on the offensive end of the court in the Sky’s first two fixtures against the Brazil National Team and the Lynx, in which she shot around 50 percent from the floor. The 23-year-old produced performances that left the Sky’s fanbase purring with excitement as the star imposed an intimidating figure in the paint, which resulted in enhanced finishing under the basket.
Despite the optimistic performances to start the Sky's preseason, Reese could only sink two of her eight field goal attempts during her final game before the 2025 WNBA season opener against the Indiana Fever. The dominant showings that the LSU graduate had exhibited in her previous two games dissipated out of existence as the star struggled to score from close range.
In the first quarter, Reese persisted with the aggressive mindset that had seen her score a combined total of 24 points in just 34 minutes throughout Chicago's previous preseason schedule. Nevertheless, three layup attempts ended in failure before Reese was subbed out of the game for reserve Michaela Onyenwere with four minutes left to play.
Unfortunately for the Chicago faithful, Reese was plagued by inefficiency for the rest of her minutes on the floor. Undoubtedly, the 2024 WNBA All-Star will not let this showing hinder her ever-growing confidence, as she exhibited that if her shot is not falling, Reese will find another way to dictate proceedings.
More than just a rebounder
On a night when the 23-year-old's shot refused to pass through the net, the star showed a mature version of herself and exhibited traits of a veteran playmaker, finishing the night with five assists—a mark that she only reached on two occasions during her WNBA rookie campaign.
Her creativity is not an attribute that Reese is renowned for. Nonetheless, her ability to kick the ball out to her teammates on the perimeter could be a weapon that fans should keep an eye out for in 2025, especially with the additions of the sharpshooter Ariel Atkins and dynamic rookie Hailey Van Lith to the roster.
The newly appointed head coach, Tyler Marsh, has implemented a system that allows the Sky to shoot a high volume of 3-point attempts, increasing the average attempts from 14.9 in 2024 to 29 in his short tenure so far. This new system will rely on Reese to consistently create for her teammates.
Should the Chicago Sky fanbase be anxious about the inefficient nature of the power forward's performance against the Lynx? Due to the lack of repercussions of a preseason matchup, a player should never be judged too harshly on their field-goal percentage. It should also be highlighted that Minnesota conceded the second-fewest points-per-game during the 2024 season due to their resilient defensive capabilities, allowing their opponents to score just 75.6 points each matchup.
Angel Reese will not have to be reminded that this performance was not her most efficient, and she will have to vastly improve if her franchise is going to make an ambitious push for the playoffs in 2025. All eyes will be firmly fixed on how the tenacious star responds in the exciting season opener versus the Indiana Fever on May 17.