The Chicago Sky’s 2025 WNBA season has been a strenuous challenge, largely due to Angel Reese’s ongoing back injury. While Reese remains off the court, her defiant attitude and strong voice continue to inspire, underscoring her vital role both on and off the floor. As the team endures a difficult slump in her absence, Reese’s resilience and unapologetic self-expression bring an important message about strength and perseverance.
Angel Reese’s Unyielding Spirit Amidst Challenges
Angel Reese is more than just a star player; she is a force who embraces her identity and openly confronts criticism. Despite enduring trolls and controversies, Reese is unapologetic and vocal about athlete empowerment and issues surrounding women’s basketball, such as NIL deals and league officiating. Her determination to control her own narrative shines through in her recent video posted by Carita Parks on X (formerly Twitter), where she exhorts young athletes to remain authentic in the face of adversity.
“Yeah, just be who you are, don’t care what anybody else have to say. The real people know who you are. I have a great family, great friends, great support system, coaches, teammates, and the real know who I am, and they continue to believe in me. You can’t knock me off my pedestal.” — Angel Reese
Reese emphasizes that her brand and presence attract both support and criticism, but she remains steadfast, knowing many young girls look up to her.
“Brands are going to come, if you like it or not. The hate, the love — it pays, regardless, and you can see that. And I just continue just to be me and know that young girls look up to me. And so I just wake up every day and stand in my truth.” — Angel Reese
This mentality has bolstered Reese’s career since her NCAA days at LSU, where her NIL valuation surged dramatically after leading the team to a national championship. Her willingness to unapologetically embrace herself has been a powerful driver of her influence and marketability.
“Be unapologetically yourself.” “You can’t knock me off my pedestal. Brands are going to come if you like it or not. The hate, the love… it pays—and you can see that.” — Angel Reese, as quoted by Carita Parks
Confronting Misinformation and Online Backlash
Reese recently faced harsh criticism due to a widely shared false quote. On July 29, a meme circulated on X incorrectly attributed a comment to Reese about making $1,400 in seven days, sparking over 10 million views and a flood of negative remarks from detractors. Reese decisively responded with a TikTok video, debunking the claim and cutting through the noise with humor and directness.
“I don’t know if your brain is all scrambled from like all the M—- you take, but I never said that,”
She also added text clarifying the falsehood, along with a caption confronting those quick to believe misinformation.
“Y’all literally just believe s— with no proof. Like, where did that even come from? I know I pay y’all bills, but d—, LMFAO.” — Angel Reese
Chicago Sky’s Declining Performance Without Reese
While Angel Reese battles to recover from her back tightness, the Sky have suffered an alarming downturn in performance. She has been sidelined for five of the last seven games, including four of the last five, as the team tries to manage her precautionary injury. Despite Reese’s effort to play through pain, including a notable appearance against the Washington Mystics, her health remains precarious.
“It was ugly, ugly for me,”
Reese admitted.
“But I tried to push through as much as I could for my teammates because I know they need me out there.” — Angel Reese
The numbers paint a stark reality: Chicago’s record stands at 1-9 when Reese is not on the floor, including 0-3 during the current season. After a recent defeat to the Las Vegas Aces left the Sky with a seven–game losing streak, their overall record dropped to 7-20. This places them second-to-last in the league standings, with only a minuscule chance of reaching the playoffs according to ESPN’s BPI metrics.
In their latest game against the Phoenix Mercury, the Sky’s early lead faded as the Mercury dominated the middle quarters with an 80% shooting performance in the second quarter alone, outscoring Chicago by 24 points in that period. Despite solid individual efforts—Kahleah Copper scored 25 points, Alyssa Thomas achieved a triple-double, Kamilla Cardoso contributed a double-double, and Elizabeth Williams grabbed 15 rebounds—the team could not halt their eighth straight loss.
Reese’s Critical Role in the Sky’s Lineup
Angel Reese stands out as a key figure for the Sky, leading in points (14.2), rebounds (12.6), assists (3.7), and steals (1.5) per game. Her consistency is evident through 17 double-doubles this season, including an ongoing streak of 11 consecutive games with double-digit points and rebounds—the longest active streak in the WNBA. Her performance against Washington—22 points and 13 rebounds—showed her strength despite battling injury near her hometown of Baltimore.
Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh noted Reese’s ongoing physical issues.
“Her back tightened up after the Washington game. So again more precautionary stuff there. So she’ll be out tonight.” — Tyler Marsh, Chicago Sky Head Coach
With no timetable announced for Reese’s full recovery and just 17 games remaining in the regular season, the Sky face an uphill battle to regain competitiveness. The facts make clear Reese is not only a critical contributor but represents a larger symbol of the team’s fighting spirit and potential success.
The Impact of Reese’s Absence on the Team’s Outlook
Angel Reese’s unique combination of on-court talent and off-court leadership embodies the heart of the Chicago Sky’s identity. Her defiance and ability to withstand criticism reinforce her as a role model and a driving force for the team. However, the Sky’s current record shows that without her presence, their chances of a successful season dwindle significantly.
As the season progresses, the team’s fate increasingly hinges on Reese’s health and return to full form. The Sky’s struggles highlight how rare it is to find a player who is simultaneously a statistical leader and a cultural icon capable of inspiring teammates and fans alike. Reese’s unwavering stance invites reflection on the impact that resilience and authenticity have in sports, both in competition and in broader social conversations surrounding athletes.