ANGEL REESE UNDER FIRE AFTER VICIOUS PLAY ON LEÏLA LACAN IN SKY’S COLLAPSE AGAINST SUN

The Chicago Sky’s season hit a new low on Saturday, and this time it wasn’t just the scoreboard doing the damage. In a heated matchup against the Connecticut Sun, Angel Reese found herself at the center of a storm after committing what many fans and analysts are calling a vicious and unnecessary tactic against rookie sensation Leïla Lacan.

The Sky’s 94-84 loss to the Sun not only crushed their already slim playoff hopes but also showcased a night of unraveling composure from Chicago on nearly every level. Head coach Tyler Marsh was ejected after an explosive confrontation with officials—nearly throwing a punch in the second quarter over a non-call that left the bench in chaos.

But if Marsh’s meltdown was shocking, Reese’s actions may have been even more damaging. With frustration mounting late in the game, the Sky forward—already visibly agitated under intense defensive pressure from Lacan—appeared to lash out, scratching the Sun guard’s eye during a possession. Cameras immediately captured Lacan receiving treatment from a trainer as the replay spread quickly across social media.

Angel Reese and Leïla Lacan (Photo via CBS Sports)

The moment overshadowed what could have been a positive night for Reese, who continues to battle through a rollercoaster second season. Returning from a back injury that sidelined her for seven games earlier this month, the All-Star sophomore logged another double-double—11 points and 11 rebounds—but her numbers once again went to waste as Chicago slid to 9-27 on the season.

A Season of Frustration

The Sky’s latest defeat may mark the lowest point of their turbulent 2025 campaign. Once seen as a gritty, resilient squad, Chicago has stumbled into mediocrity, plagued by inconsistency, injuries, and emotional breakdowns. Saturday’s clash encapsulated it all: a coach losing control, a star player boiling over, and a team unable to recover when it mattered most.

Still, amid the chaos, Reese remains one of the few bright spots. According to ESPN, she is averaging an impressive 14.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals across 25 appearances this season. Perhaps most encouraging, she’s dramatically improved her efficiency, boosting her field goal percentage to 46.2%—a significant leap from the underwhelming 39.1% she managed as a rookie.

Franchise Cornerstone or Liability?

For Chicago, the question is no longer whether Reese can produce—her consistency and tenacity on the glass speak volumes. The bigger concern may be whether her fiery competitiveness, when unchecked, risks overshadowing her value to the franchise. Incidents like Saturday’s eye-scratch on Lacan only fuel critics who question her maturity and on-court discipline.

With the Sky all but eliminated from playoff contention, the focus now shifts to the bigger picture. Reese has the potential to be the cornerstone around which Chicago rebuilds, but her development will need to include channeling her intensity without letting emotions boil over.

Angel Reese (Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images)

What’s Next

As for Saturday’s altercation, many expect the WNBA to hand down a fine, though disciplinary action had not been confirmed as of press time. For the Sky, the loss serves as yet another painful reminder of a season that could have been so much more—but has instead unraveled into frustration and disappointment.

And for Angel Reese? Her stat lines may scream future superstar, but until moments like this are behind her, the spotlight will shine just as brightly on her controversies as it does on her highlights.