When the Chicago Sky fell 85–66 to the undefeated New York Liberty on Tuesday night, few expected a silver lining. Yet forward Angel Reese delivered a standout performance—posting a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double—only to see her “Player of the Game” honor spark fresh fan backlash. Here’s a deeper dive into Reese’s night, the controversy that followed, and what it means for her and the Sky moving forward.
Angel Reese’s Stat Line in a Tough Loss
Even in defeat, Reese reminded everyone why she’s one of the WNBA’s rising stars:
- 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting (61.5% FG)
- 11 rebounds, showcasing her relentless work on the glass
- 3 assists and 2 steals, contributing on both ends
- 1-of-3 from three-point range, demonstrating expanding range
Reese’s efficiency—especially against a Liberty defense that had already beaten the Sky by double digits earlier this season—was a bright spot for Chicago.
The “Player of the Game” Backlash
After the final buzzer, the Sky’s social channels named Reese their “Player of the Game”, noting her “double-double from A5 in the BIG [apple] tonight.” But some fans bristled:
“Posting a player of the game in a lost game… the equivalent of a participation trophy.”
“She was still negative while on the floor and you got blown out again.”
“Oh look! Another BLOWOUT LOSING GAME! But fear not—at least she got a double-double lol.”
Critics argued that singling out individual achievements in a blowout felt tone-deaf amid a 2–6 start.
Why Angel Reese Still Matters
Despite the noise, there are compelling reasons to celebrate Reese’s growth:
- Consistent Production: She’s one of only a handful of Sky players averaging double figures in both points and rebounds.
- Energy Leader: Coaches praise her motor and ability to shift momentum, even when the team struggles.
- Skill Expansion: Improved shooting touch—especially from mid-range and beyond—signals her work in the offseason.
Head coach Tyler Marsh highlighted Reese’s resilience: “Angel showed up tonight. That’s the kind of fight we need every game.”
The Bigger Picture: Sky’s Early-Season Woes
Chicago’s 2–6 record reflects more than just one loss. They’ve suffered six double-digit defeats so far, compounded by:
- Courtney Vandersloot’s season-ending ACL tear, forcing lineup shakeups
- New starters like Rebecca Allen and Rachel Banham still finding chemistry
- Inconsistencies from veteran scorers and bench firepower
Yet, even in the toughest games, Reese’s performances offer a blueprint: relentless rebounding, high-efficiency scoring, and leadership.
What’s Next for Angel Reese and the Sky?
- Building around Reese: Chicago’s front office has hinted at adding veteran talent who can complement her inside-out game.
- Adjusting lineups: With Nurse, Allen, and Banham vying for roles, Marsh aims to find the right mix to support Reese’s strengths.
- Fan engagement: The Sky may rethink in-game honors to better connect with frustrated fans—without downplaying standout efforts.
Reese herself remains focused on growth. “Wins are what matter most,” she said postgame. “But every challenge is a chance to get better.”
Final Thoughts
Angel Reese is fast becoming the heart of the Chicago Sky—even if the scoreboard doesn’t always reflect it. Her ability to produce elite numbers on a struggling team underscores her potential as a future WNBA star. For fans eager for wins, honoring her performances—even in losses—might just be the reminder that rebuilding takes time—and that true stars shine brightest under pressure.