Angel Reese secured a historic triple-double on May 29, 2025, leading the Chicago Sky to a 78-66 win against the Connecticut Sun at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Despite early-season difficulties adapting to new strategies implemented by rookie head coach Tyler Marsh, Reese showcased her versatility with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, significantly contributing to the Sky’s climb to a 3-7 record in the WNBA standings.
Following a rookie campaign that earned her the reputation of a rebounding powerhouse, Reese struggled initially this season with efficiency and turnovers. However, the star forward has gradually embraced Marsh’s vision of versatility, transforming her game to fit the team’s evolving needs. Her all-around performance against the Sun not only signaled a personal resurgence but also gave the Sky a crucial confidence boost in an otherwise challenging season.
Adjusting to New Demands: Reese’s Learning Curve under Coach Tyler Marsh
When Tyler Marsh became Chicago’s new head coach, he envisioned Angel Reese developing into a more dynamic, multi-skilled player. In a preseason interview, Marsh expressed his ambitions for Reese’s role:
“There’s no limit… We want her to be dynamic. We want her to be able to score inside,”
he said. However, early in the season, Reese’s figures revealed the difficulties she faced, including a sharp drop in scoring efficiency and an increase in turnovers.
Reese herself described the adjustment process as confusing but acknowledged the importance of patience.
“(I’m) trying to get back to being super versatile,”
she said during a post-game conference.
“And (coach Marsh) made that emphasis early on in the season. And I didn’t understand it, and I really was kinda confused and trying to figure it out. I’m still figuring it out. But I have patience.”
This candid admission highlights the mental and tactical hurdles Reese overcame to eventually align with Marsh’s system.
Her struggles were evident in several early games, such as a tough outing against the New York Liberty, where Reese went 0-for-8 shooting and scored only 2 points, the lowest tally of her WNBA career. Similar difficulties appeared against the Indiana Fever, when she managed just 4 points on 2-of-7 shooting. Yet, rather than capitulating, Reese used these challenges as building blocks for her return to form.
Reese’s Triple-Double Sparks Hope for More Consistent Leadership
Reese’s standout night against the Connecticut Sun was more than a personal triumph; it provided vital momentum for a struggling Sky team. During the contest, she grabbed 13 rebounds out of Chicago’s total 38, demonstrating her continued dominance on the boards, along with distributing 11 assists and contributing defensively with three steals and two blocks. Bench player Hailey Van Lith also shone, scoring 16 points to complement Reese’s efforts.
Reese indicated that her evolving role is not only about filling Stat sheets but also about reclaiming her identity as a versatile player.
“I was a passer, and I could’ve been a passer all my career,”
Reese said.
“Like I came out of high school as the No. 1 wing and I’m trying to get back to that. Trying to get back to being super-versatile. And [coach] Tyler [Marsh] made that emphasis early on in the season.”
Her remarks underscore her dedication to adapting and expanding her game to meet the team’s strategic goals.
Chicago Sky Management Demands Greater Consistency and Impact from Reese
The expectations on Reese extend beyond single-game performances. After a rough 2-7 start to the season, Chicago Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca expressed his belief that Reese must elevate her contributions consistently to help the team recover. Pagliocca emphasized not only the need for stronger offensive output from Reese but also her importance as the roster’s most versatile player.
“She’s had some great games, and she’s had some games like everybody else that haven’t been her best… But she’s our best chance at versatility on this roster. We need more production out of her, but we need her to help us in other ways, too.”
—Jeff Pagliocca, General Manager
The Sky’s offensive struggles this season have been significant, especially following the season-ending injury to star playmaker Courtney Vandersloot. The team currently averages roughly 76 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. In this context, Reese’s ability to stretch the floor, facilitate offense, and contribute across multiple areas can prove pivotal in reversing the Sky’s fortunes.
Looking Ahead: Can Reese Sustain Her Growth to Lead the Sky Forward?
The Chicago Sky prepare to face the Washington Mystics for the first time this season, aiming to build on their recent win. While the Sky hold a 3-7 record, the Mystics stand slightly ahead at 4-7. Analysts like ESPN consider the Sky’s rebounding strength a potential advantage, with Reese at the heart of that edge.
Despite flashes of brilliance this season, the question remains whether Angel Reese can maintain her evolving skill set consistently enough to drive Chicago toward a stronger finish. Her recent triple-double performance offers hope not only to her teammates and fans but also to management, who see her as a key piece in the Sky’s rebuilding efforts.
The season’s path ahead will test Reese’s ability to balance scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility while navigating the pressures of leadership at a pivotal point in her career. Success in this endeavor could elevate both her individual status and the overall trajectory of the Chicago Sky franchise.