The Chicago Sky are struggling to find answers as their current losing streak reaches eight consecutive games, pushing them down to 12th place in the WNBA standings on August 4, 2025. With only the Connecticut Sun ranked lower, the team’s prospects of making the playoffs are rapidly deteriorating amid ongoing challenges and injuries.
The most recent defeat came on Wednesday against the Phoenix Mercury, where the Sky initially led by six points after the first quarter but collapsed in the middle periods, allowing 29 points in the second quarter and 27 in the third. This performance led to a final 83-67 loss, marking a disappointing step closer to their franchise record for consecutive losses, which stands at 13 games from 2006 and could be matched soon.
Expert debate surrounds Angel Reese’s role amid team struggles
As Chicago’s troubles continue, discussions have emerged about whether the Sky should consider resting Angel Reese due to injury concerns and the team’s poor run of results. During a recent ESPN Hoop Streams episode where fan questions are addressed anonymously, one fan suggested it might be time to shut down Reese for the remainder of the season. The fan stated,
“A spot in the playoffs is so far from reasonable, and injuries keep plaguing them… seriously, something needs to change, and it may be time for someone to go.”
However, WNBA analyst Ari Chambers strongly rejected this idea, expressing full support for Reese’s presence. Chambers emphasized,
“Who to go, not Angel Reese!? Absolutely not,”
“If you’re Angel Reese, I understand that the Chicago Sky are not in good standing right now, but you, as the franchise player of that team, are going to do what you can do for your team.”
“This is the future of their franchise!”
Factors behind the Sky’s unprecedented slump
The Sky began the 2025 season with optimism following a productive offseason that included drafting Hailey Van Lith and acquiring Ariel Atkins through trades. Reese even offered tentative championship predictions early on, hoping to build momentum. But with a current record standing at 7-21, their chances of making the playoffs appear slim; they sit 11 games behind the final playoff spot with only 12 matches remaining.
Interim head coach Tyler Marsh vocalized the deeper issue facing the team, explaining,
“We’re not just losing games, we’re losing who we are,”
The season has been marred by significant absences. Atkins has been out since July 14, and Courtney Vandersloot is sidelined for the entire season due to a torn ACL. Most critically, Reese has missed four of the last five games, leaving the team without a strong on-court leader.
Forward Michaela Onyenwere added insight on the impact of missing key players, saying,
“There’s no steady voice in the huddle.”
The absence of Reese has coincided with a major dip in performance, as the Sky have managed only one win in the ten games she has not played this season. Many of those losses have been severe blowouts, including four defeats by margins exceeding 30 points, underscoring the team’s current instability.
Outlook for the remainder of the season looks bleak without star players healthy
The Sky’s hope for a turnaround remains tethered to the recovery and return of their injured stars. Without the leadership and impact of Reese, Atkins, and Vandersloot, establishing any rhythm or consistency seems difficult. The team is currently on track to battle for the highest draft pick rather than a postseason berth.
While the franchise’s all-time losing streak record looms dangerously close, the immediate concerns focus heavily on player health and morale. With just under two weeks left in the regular season, the Sky’s ability to respond remains uncertain, raising questions about the future direction of the team.