Angel Reese has been at the center of attention both in recent games and beyond the basketball court as she continues to elevate her career. Named alongside NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Carmelo Anthony as a cover athlete for NBA 2K26, Reese’s presence is gaining recognition in the wider basketball community. This milestone was marked not only by her image on the game cover but also by the debut of her signature sneakers, creating an added buzz around her achievements.
On the court, Reese has been a powerhouse for the Chicago Sky, averaging an impressive 18.7 points, 15.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists across her last six games. Despite the team’s mixed results, with three losses in that span, Reese’s performance remains a steady highlight. To honor her landmark 2K cover appearance and her growing influence, the Sky have arranged a special tribute, rallying both players and fans around this moment.
Chicago Sky’s Struggle Against the Minnesota Lynx and Their Response
The Sky’s upcoming game against the Minnesota Lynx carries extra weight—beyond the regular season stakes, it presents a chance to break a frustrating losing streak. Chicago fell 80-75 in a tightly contested and controversial matchup just last week at the Target Center in Minneapolis. This defeat extended their losing streak to four games in the series against the Lynx, a rival they last bested in 2023. The all-time record between the teams stands at 18 wins for Chicago and 28 for Minnesota, underscoring the challenge ahead.
In preparation for the new matchup, the Sky have embraced Reese’s momentum by donning T-shirts celebrating her NBA 2K26 cover as a symbol of team unity and morale. Players wore these shirts during pre-match warmups, and fans at Wintrust Arena, where the game will take place, are expected to join in, creating a charged atmosphere with about 10,000 spectators anticipated.
Tensions from the previous game linger, especially surrounding officiating. Reese publicly expressed frustration over a free-throw discrepancy—Minnesota was awarded 17 attempts from the line to Chicago’s 8—suggesting that uneven calls influenced the outcome. Her remarks went viral quickly, sparking debate over officiating fairness.
Notably, Minnesota players Courtney Williams, Natisha Hiedeman, and Bridget Carleton acknowledged during a livestream that some fouls against Reese went uncalled, with Carleton admitting to an obvious foul missed by officials. This adds a layer of narrative to the rematch, as guarding Reese and the referees’ handling of physical play near the basket will be closely watched.
Reese’s Dominance and Minnesota’s Defensive Challenge
Angel Reese’s recent output underscores why the Lynx are intent on limiting her effectiveness. In their last encounter, she tallied 16 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 assists, showcasing her all-around impact. Even during the preseason, her presence was felt, contributing 9 points and 8 rebounds in a limited 19 minutes. Minnesota’s roster lacks a similarly dominant rebounder, with Napheesa Collier leading their squad at just 7.9 rebounds per game, and the team ranking ninth overall in rebounds per outing at 34. This paint presence disparity may prove decisive once again.
Chicago will need to address not only Minnesota’s defensive focus on Reese but also their own attitudes about officiating and discipline, as questions about bias continue to surface. Whether the perceived uneven calls are an excuse or a valid concern remains a topic of conversation in the lead-up to the game.
Managing Angel Reese’s Playing Time for Longevity
While Angel Reese dominates on the floor, the Chicago Sky coaching staff remain mindful of her youth and durability. Entering her sophomore season, Reese has faced an intense schedule since leaving college and competing even in additional leagues. After a past injury, the team recognizes the importance of managing her workload carefully to avoid setbacks.
Head coach Tyler Marsh has begun strategically giving Reese rest during certain stretches of games as part of a longer-term plan. Marsh acknowledged the growing role of rookie forward Maddy Westbeld in lightening Reese’s minutes:
Maddy Westbeld has shown growth in adjusting to the speed of the game, and she has been beneficial in helping reduce Angel Reese’s minutes as of late,
he said via Chicago State of Mind Sports.
Westbeld, picked 16th overall in the draft, has started to see increased action during July, appearing in three consecutive games and averaging around seven minutes per contest. Though her statistics so far are modest—averaging 1.7 points and rebounds in about 6.7 minutes—her college numbers reflect notable talent, with averages of 15.2 points and 7.9 rebounds at Notre Dame.
Though Westbeld has not yet assumed a full substitute role for Reese, she has shown promise with longer shifts exceeding 10 minutes on occasion. Reese continues to log substantial time on court, averaging 31.3 minutes per game, among the top 20 in the WNBA. The Sky’s ability to manage Reese’s playing time without compromising rebounding performance remains an ongoing balancing act given she secures over a third of the team’s boards.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Reese’s Leadership and the Team’s Future
Angel Reese stands as the cornerstone of the Chicago Sky’s efforts to reverse their fortunes against the Minnesota Lynx and revive their season trajectory. Her influence extends beyond scoring and rebounding to team morale and public recognition, highlighted by her NBA 2K26 cover that symbolizes her rising stature. The support from fans wearing commemorative gear and players rallying around her speaks to her role as a unifying figure.
However, the Sky’s quest to end their losing skid rests not solely on Reese’s shoulders but also on effective load management and contributions from emerging players like Westbeld. The coaching staff’s cautious approach to balancing Reese’s court time aims to sustain her high level of play without risking injury, a critical factor for the team’s long-term competitiveness.
The upcoming game at Wintrust Arena will not only test the Sky’s ability to challenge the league-leading Lynx but also gauge how effectively they can navigate officiating concerns and internal adjustments. Success in this matchup could serve as a turning point, energizing the franchise and fans while solidifying Reese’s position as the driving force behind Chicago’s campaign.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. In a video on her TikTok account, Reese explained she hurt her hand after falling during a play and getting an and-one. She shared that doctors found a small crack in her bone and said she could choose whether to have surgery or not.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. Additionally, Reese completed her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at LSU in March 2024. Her focus areas were Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology. To graduate, she maintained at least a 2.0 GPA, as required.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Basketball is a family tradition since Angel’s parents played the sport in college. Angel’s mom even played professionally in Luxembourg. “She’s always been independent and passed that to me,” Angel said in an interview with Just Women’s Sports in January 2023.
Q. Did Angel Reese have a 1.1 GPA?
A. On her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, she shared that the early part of the 2023/24 season was challenging for her. She decided to step back to avoid slowing down the team’s progress. Reese also mentioned that her GPA was never as low as 1.1, but she didn’t share her exact grades.