Chicago Sky star Angel Reese pulled off her most entertaining pre-game performance of the season, playfully evading photographers while arriving at CareFirst Arena to face the Washington Mystics. The moment went viral before she even stepped onto the court, showing why Reese remains one of the WNBA’s most captivating personalities.
How Did Angel Reese Turn Arrival Into Entertainment?
Reese transformed a routine arena arrival into must-see content, sparking social media buzz hours before tipoff against the Mystics. The All-Star forward went full stealth mode, pulling a blue hoodie over her head while walking toward the venue entrance.
The real show began when photographers positioned themselves for their shots. Rather than pose or simply walk past, Reese spotted teammate Rachel Banham ahead of her and saw an opportunity. She strategically positioned herself directly behind Banham, matching her teammate’s every step and using her as a human shield to block any clear camera angles.
Angel Reese was not feeling the photo op today 😠pic.twitter.com/86Bg6ofXoC
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 29, 2025
The playful cat-and-mouse game with the media perfectly captured Reese’s personality, demonstrating her ability to create memorable moments even during the most mundane parts of game day. While photographers tried their best to get a clear shot, Reese stayed committed to her impromptu game of hide-and-seek.
What Happened When the Real Game Started?
Despite her pre-game theatrics generating all the buzz, Reese couldn’t carry that energy into a victory, as the Mystics dominated 103-86. However, the 23-year-old forward delivered exactly what Sky fans hoped to see in her return from injury.
Reese secured another double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds, marking her first action in three games after dealing with a back injury. The performance reminded everyone why she’s considered one of the league’s most consistent players, even in defeat.
The Mystics got outstanding contributions from multiple players, led by Sonia Citron’s career-high 28 points. Kiki Iriafen added 22 points and 10 rebounds, earning praise from Reese during the post-game press conference.
“She’s another player that’s hungry,” Reese said. “She has an opportunity as a rookie to do great things as well. So I know it’s always going to be a great matchup. She came out and played well tonight.”
Teammate Kamilla Cardoso also posted a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, continuing her strong play alongside Reese in the frontcourt.
How Is Reese Supporting Her Teammates Through Adversity?
Beyond her own production, Reese has taken on a mentorship role with Cardoso, consistently building her teammate’s confidence throughout the season. The forward shared her approach to motivating the 6’7″Â center during their post-game media session.
“As a post player, I tell Mill, ‘when you look at somebody, look at them as food,'” Reese said. “Every single time. You’re 6’7”, you are dominant, you’re a great player.
“‘And I want you to believe that in yourself. Nobody has to put that in you. You are who you are.’ And I continue to put that confidence in her,” she added.
Regarding her own performance returning from the back injury, Reese offered an honest assessment, describing it as “rough” and “ugly.” The All-Star forward also addressed accumulating five fouls during the game, explaining that she focused on playing smart basketball while staying aggressive.
Looking toward the remainder of the season, Reese spoke about building momentum with what the team calls their “Elite 8,” the core group of players fighting through this challenging stretch. She expressed particular excitement about potentially getting key contributors like Sevgi Uzun and Ariel Atkins back healthy.
The loss extended Chicago’s losing streak to six games and marked their eighth defeat in the last 10 contests. The Sky sits just above the Connecticut Sun, occupying the bottom spot in the league standings, making every remaining game crucial for their playoff positioning.
