The Chicago Sky’s struggles have reached a breaking point midway through the 2025 WNBA season, as a rocky 7-17 start has frustrated fans and analysts alike. Injuries to four key starters, including star players Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins, have intensified the issues, but insiders say the problems extend beyond health setbacks. The team’s offensive woes and high turnover rates are the focal points of concern, leaving many to question the effectiveness of Coach Tyler Marsh’s leadership during this difficult stretch.
Chicago’s challenges began even before the season kickoff, following a contentious decision by the front office to let go of top scorer Chennedy Carter. After posting one of the league’s lowest scoring averages last season at 77.4 points per game, losing Carter only deepened doubts about the team’s offensive capabilities. While new acquisitions Ariel Atkins and Courtney Vandersloot were brought in with hopes of boosting production, those expectations have not materialized. The team’s average has actually dropped to 76.4 points per game this season. Vandersloot’s ACL injury, which has sidelined the team’s assist leader for the remainder of the year, alongside Atkins’ injury, has left the Sky desperately thin in key positions.
The most recent blow came in a demoralizing 95-57 loss to the Seattle Storm. The Sky, once known for their dominance in the paint, were overwhelmed on the boards and outscored in the paint by a wide margin. With only nine players available due to injuries, the team’s inability to maintain possession was glaring—they committed 20 turnovers that led directly to 26 points for their opponents.
Sky Veteran Places Responsibility on Teammates, Supports Coach’s Efforts
Elizabeth Williams, the Sky’s center, publicly defended Coach Tyler Marsh amidst rising criticism by emphasizing player accountability. She asserted,
“It starts with us. I don’t think it’s anything Tyler’s doing, to be honest with you. We haven’t executed. We haven’t taken care of the ball. We have to be better, to be frank.”
—Elizabeth Williams, Chicago Sky Center
Her statement underscores the growing frustration within the team about self-inflicted errors, especially turnovers, that have become a recurring issue all season. Chicago’s turnover average of 17.4 per game is the worst in the WNBA, severely hindering any offensive rhythm. Coach Marsh has also addressed this concern in media remarks, stating,
“Our offense has struggled mostly due to our inability to take care of the ball. The offense works when the movement is there.”
—Tyler Marsh, Chicago Sky Head Coach
With Courtney Vandersloot out for the season, Angel Reese has been forced into a primary facilitator role, a responsibility that has taken a toll on her performance consistency. Reese currently leads the league in total turnovers with 89, a reflection of the offensive pressure resting on her shoulders. Despite these challenges, Reese remains the team’s assist leader, highlighting her effort even as the offense continues to falter without a full supporting cast.
Offseason Decisions and Injury Setbacks Deepen Crisis for Chicago
Chicago’s offensive difficulties were foreshadowed by early moves in the offseason. Letting go of high scorer Chennedy Carter, a player integral to the previous offensive system, proved costly. The Sky had hoped that the addition of Atkins and Vandersloot would help them overcome last season’s scoring stagnation, but instead, their offense has regressed.
Adding to the crisis, the lack of healthy starters has disrupted team chemistry and depth. Injuries to Vandersloot and Atkins have deprived the team of veteran leadership and scoring threats. Angel Reese’s absence due to a lingering back issue has also been profoundly felt. In the two games Reese missed this season, the Sky were outscored by 75 points, a stark indicator of her importance to the squad.
Coach Marsh Addresses Angel Reese’s Injury Status
Angel Reese has been arguably the Sky’s best player when healthy, averaging 18.2 points on 53 percent shooting along with 14 rebounds per game. Her value goes beyond stats, as her presence stabilizes and energizes the offense. Speaking on Reese’s current condition, Coach Marsh provided a cautious update:
“Angel is day-to-day. Pretty sore this morning and didn’t want to mess with it being a back issue. We’ll see how she is on Sunday.”
—Tyler Marsh, Chicago Sky Head Coach
Reese’s return is a critical factor in the team’s hopes to reverse their downward spiral, but uncertainty around her recovery adds to the tension. Meanwhile, the rest of the roster must find ways to reduce costly mistakes and improve execution on both ends of the court.
Leadership Challenges and Possible Front Office Decisions Ahead
The current atmosphere around the Chicago Sky is one of frustration and stress as the team confronts mounting losses and a stalling offense. With key players in and out of the lineup, the effectiveness of Coach Marsh’s strategies is under scrutiny. However, teammates like Elizabeth Williams suggest that internal accountability is equally critical. The high turnover rates and lack of consistent scoring indicate issues that may not be fixed solely through coaching adjustments.
The front office faces its own questions after making bold personnel changes before the season that have not yielded the desired improvements. As injuries persist, trade discussions or roster reshaping could become necessary to salvage the campaign and restore competitiveness.
Angel Reese Chicago Sky struggles highlight the intense challenges facing this once-promising team. The next few weeks will be pivotal as the Sky seek stability, health returns, and improved on-court chemistry, all while managing mounting pressure from fans and media demanding answers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Reese posted a video on TikTok explaining an injury. She mentioned falling on her hand during the game, which led to a minor bone crack. The doctors informed her that surgery was optional, offering a choice between undergoing the procedure or skipping it.
Q. Why did McDonald’s partner with Angel Reese?
A. This partnership aims to celebrate excellence by highlighting McDonald’s first nationwide meal collaboration with a female athlete and emphasizing future superstar talent.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Sports is a family tradition for Angel since both of her parents played basketball in college. Her mom even went on to play professionally in Luxembourg. “She’s always been independent and taught me to be the same,” Angel shared with Just Women’s Sports in January 2023.
Q. How much money did Angel Reese get from McDonald’s?
A. McDonald’s is paying Angel Reese $16 million. In the WNBA, she earns around $75,000 per year. This deal is like her yearly pay times 213 years.