The season might be over for the Chicago Sky regarding their ultimate goal, but with three games left, the team is still looking to end the year on a high note. The Sky were officially eliminated from playoff contention last week after the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Dallas Wings, making a postseason run mathematically impossible for Chicago.
Despite the season appearing to be wrapped up, star Angel Reese returned to action against the Seattle Storm. With the star’s long-term health in mind, the question is whether head coach Tyler Marsh will risk playing Reese for the remainder of a lost season.
Will the Chicago Sky Risk Playing Angel Reese?
Since her return against Seattle, Reese has been a force, averaging 15.2 points and 11.2 rebounds over four games. This stretch also included a significant win against the New York Liberty, which provided a much-needed morale boost for Chicago as the season winds down.
a late one today 🏀
⏰ 9 PM CT
🆚 Phoenix Mercury
📺 WCIU pic.twitter.com/h37cbOuDnJ
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) August 28, 2025
It appears the Sky intend to finish the season strong, as head coach Tyler Marsh is expected to play Reese in their upcoming game against the Phoenix Mercury. This matchup marks the fourth time the teams have met this season, with Phoenix winning the first three contests. Reese, sidelined for their last game against the Mercury, will be back on the court to help her team avoid a clean sweep in the season series.
Reese had been out with a back injury since the team’s July 29 game against the Washington Mystics. The Sky star played in that game but was visibly hampered by discomfort. Following that contest, she missed seven consecutive games before returning to action against the Storm.
While Chicago never quite found its rhythm this season, dominant performances from Reese in June and July kept the hope of a postseason berth alive. That hope faded when Reese was sidelined with her back injury shortly after the All-Star break.
How Has Reese Fared in Her Sophomore Season?
Before her injury, Reese was playing her best basketball, showcasing her ability to act as a “point forward” at times. Head coach Tyler Marsh stated during the preseason that he wanted Reese to improve with the ball in her hands, and the Sky forward has done just that. The improvement in her playmaking is visible and offers a promising sign for her future.
Reese’s assist numbers have jumped from 1.9 per game in her rookie season to 3.7 this year. While the injury to veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot may have played a role in that increase, Reese’s ability to operate with the ball shows her potential to become a well-rounded star in the league for years. This development should be the Sky’s silver lining for the season.
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The two-time All-Star’s impact was most evident in June and July, when she transformed into a double-double machine. Before being sidelined with her back injury, Reese had recorded 11 straight double-doubles.
Although those strong displays didn’t always lead to victories, her value was clear: the team’s offensive rating was 98.9 with Reese on the floor, compared to just 90.8 when she was out.
Sure, the expectations to start the season were headlined by a postseason berth. But in an injury-riddled year that derailed the team’s goals, coach Marsh can find reasons to be content. Not only has Reese become comfortable in Marsh’s system, but the team is set to return healthy and could even add more firepower in 2026, which is shaping up to be arguably the biggest free-agency class the WNBA has ever seen.
