Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky have continued their losing streak with a 88-70 defeat to the Atlanta Dream, marking their third consecutive loss and seventh of the season. Reese, a former LSU star, struggled to perform in the game as the team’s general manager emphasized the need for more production from her, while the head coach highlighted the need for consistent play throughout the game.
The Chicago Sky’s woes were laid bare in a game where they faced the Atlanta Dream and saw Rhyne Howard of the Dream score a season-high 36 points, including a career-high nine three-pointers. Jeff Pagliocca, the team’s general manager, had earlier this week made it clear that Reese needed to step up her performance. He admitted that the team was disappointed with their start to the season and that they had high hopes for this year. In the aftermath of the game, he reiterated his belief that Reese should provide more on the court to help the team.
Head coach Tyler Marsh acknowledged that the team had executed their defensive strategies well in parts of the game, especially in the first half and for parts of the third quarter. But he also pointed out that the team needed to continue to put in a full effort for the entire game. Reese went 0-for-2 in the first quarter but managed to record five rebounds and two assists. She followed that with eight points in the second, going 3-for-4, but the team’s attempt to turn the momentum in their favor faltered in the third quarter as Atlanta pulled away. By the end of the game, Reese had recorded 12 points and nine rebounds, but the team’s overall performance was still a cause for concern.
Statistically, Reese has struggled this season compared to last year’s All-Star performance. Her field goal percentage has dropped, she is averaging 10.3 points per game compared to her rookie season’s 13.6, and her average turnover per game is up 3.8 compared to 3.5 in her rookie year. Despite these challenges, Jeff Pagliocca pointed out that Reese has had great games and that it’s not just about her stats. He emphasized that she is their best chance for versatility on the team and that she needs to help in other ways alongside her scoring.
The Chicago Sky are currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 2-7 record, and they will look to turn things around when they face the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. The team’s growing pains are being made more visible with the new head coach and revamped roster. Pagliocca admitted that the start to the season was unexpected, and he had made significant moves in an attempt to meet the team’s high expectations for this season. As the team looks ahead, they will need to address these issues if they are to have any chance of turning their season around.