Angel Reese has significantly elevated her WNBA performance turnaround this season, helping the Chicago Sky improve their results and quiet critics. After a challenging start, Reese’s renewed role and determination have contributed to the team winning three of their last six games while keeping losses close.
Chicago Sky Shows Progress Centered on Angel Reese’s Growth
The Chicago Sky’s early-season struggles saw them losing ten of their first thirteen games, largely due to a lack of team chemistry and inconsistent play. Angel Reese, in particular, faced criticism for several single-digit scoring games and repeated missed layups at crucial moments despite her prowess on rebounds. Fans grew concerned over what appeared to be halted development during the offseason.
Comedian Katt Williams even took note of Reese’s missed layups during a podcast, drawing a humorous contrast with his own basketball skills. He stated,
“In basketball, I’m 5′ 5″. So there’s a whole realm of basketball I can’t experience. I don’t have any above the rim experience. On the other hand, I’m not Angel Reese. I’m 99% on my layups, because I can’t afford to miss a layup. My layup is my dunk.”
—Katt Williams, Comedian
While the comment was meant in jest, it underscored the scrutiny Reese faced. Host Carmelo Anthony recognized the playful jab but understood it would not damage his family’s relationship with Reese or the Chicago Sky.
Strategic Role Change Fuels Reese’s Revival
Angel Reese has been actively working to reverse the skepticism surrounding her game. Last season, she acknowledged her rookie status and promised gradual improvement. This year, new head coach Tyler Marsh has assigned Reese a fresh role, shifting her from traditional post play alongside center Kamilla Cardoso to functioning primarily as a point forward. Marsh identified that having Reese and Cardoso both operating frequently inside the paint restricted offensive spacing and efficiency.
This season, the Sky also reinforced the roster by re-signing forward/center Elizabeth Williams and drafting forward Maddy Westbeld, creating a cluster of similarly skilled players vying for playing time in the paint. Marsh’s strategic adjustment allows Reese to leverage her versatility and facilitate offensive flow instead of competing inside the post.
Reese struggled initially to adapt but has since embraced the new position, recording her first career WNBA triple-double and significantly doubling her assists average compared to last season. This development has improved the Chicago Sky’s spacing and ball movement, contributing to closer games and more competitive performances.
Marsh has also begun integrating Maddy Westbeld in a comparable point forward capacity during Reese’s rest periods, furthering the team’s renewed dynamic. As a result, many social media critics who once mocked Reese’s missed layups have grown quiet. Her recognition as Player of the Week and second selection as a WNBA All-Star reflect this transformed perception.
Key Upcoming Games to Test Team’s Progress
The Chicago Sky’s recent matches have included close defeats, such as a narrow loss to the Minnesota Lynx, last season’s WNBA Finals runner-up. After this game, Reese expressed frustration with the officiating, suggesting that foul calls did not favor her team.
Looking ahead, Chicago faces the Lynx twice at home before the All-Star break, offering an opportunity to demonstrate whether improvements in team performance and cohesion have taken hold. These games are crucial tests for Reese and her teammates to measure progress against a strong opponent.
Regardless of the outcome, the Sky’s ability to keep games competitive indicates they are building a foundation for future success, with hopes that the momentum continues to rise following the All-Star pause.
Supporting Cast and Organizational Moves Shape the Team’s Future
Alongside Reese’s turnaround, the presence of key players like Kamilla Cardoso, Elizabeth Williams, and rising talent Maddy Westbeld highlights the Sky’s emphasis on developing a balanced roster. Coach Tyler Marsh’s adjustments are aimed at maximizing each player’s skill set to improve team synergy.
This approach may ensure that Angel Reese’s elevated WNBA performance turnaround is part of a broader trend rather than an isolated upswing. It also reflects the importance of role clarity and strategic deployment in professional basketball, especially for evolving athletes.
As the season advances, both Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky appear poised to redefine expectations and challenge critics who prematurely doubted their potential.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Reese shared in a TikTok video on Sunday night that she injured her hand while playing, causing a small bone fracture. The doctors informed her she could choose between having surgery or not having it.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. In March 2024, Reese finished her studies at LSU, earning a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her areas of focus included Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology. This achievement implies that she maintained a GPA over 2.0, which is the minimum needed to graduate.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Basketball has been a family tradition since Angel’s parents played the sport in college. Angel’s mom even played professionally in Luxembourg. In January 2023, Angel mentioned to Just Women’s Sports that her mom has always been independent and taught her to be the same way.
Q. Did Angel Reese have a 1.1 GPA?
A. During her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, she shared that the first part of the 2023/24 season was tough for her. This difficulty caused her to take a break so the team wouldn’t lose momentum. Reese also mentioned she “never had a 1.1 GPA” but didn’t disclose her actual grades.