Angel Reese Returns Just in Time — And the WNBA Takes Notice

August 7, 2025 — Washington, D.C.
After missing two consecutive games due to a nagging back injury, Angel Reese made her long-awaited return to the court for the Chicago Sky, and she wasted no time making an impact. Her comeback wasn’t just a moment of relief for a struggling team — it was a reminder of how essential she is to the very identity of the franchise.

But even as she fought her way back into form and gave her team a fighting chance, the noise around Angel Reese only grew louder — especially after an uncomfortable moment involving broadcasters laughing during one of her on-court mishaps.

The Sky Was Falling Without Her

Chicago Sky entered Tuesday night’s matchup against the Washington Mystics on a five-game losing streak. Their record had slipped to a discouraging 7-18, and the team looked out of sync, overmatched, and utterly lost on both ends of the court.

Much of that could be traced to the absence of their star — Angel Reese — who had been sidelined with back pain for the previous two games. During that stretch, Sky was outscored by a combined 53 points, and fans and analysts alike were questioning how long the team could hold on before their season slipped entirely out of reach.

Reese’s absence didn’t just impact the stat sheet. It stripped Chicago of its heart, hustle, and voice — all qualities she brings every time she steps on the hardwood.

Return Confirmed After Pre-Game Workout

Reese participated in a full-contact workout in Washington, D.C. earlier Tuesday afternoon. Observers noted her energy, physicality, and willingness to take contact — all signs that she was ready to go.

Not long after, the team officially confirmed: Angel Reese would suit up and return to the lineup.

Her presence brought a much-needed spark, and although the game itself didn’t end in a victory, her return made a bold statement: she’s still the centerpiece of this team, and when she plays, Chicago plays differently.

First Half Hustle: Not Pretty, But Powerful

In her first few minutes back, Reese didn’t ease in — she attacked the game with the same intensity fans have come to expect.

Matched up against Mystics rookie standout Kiki Iriafen, Reese made her first move on the block, but her shot clanked off the bottom of the rim. True to form, she grabbed her own rebound, fought through contact, and drew a foul — hitting the ground hard but popping right back up.

It was classic Angel Reese: physical, aggressive, and unafraid.

By the end of the first half, she had already logged nearly 18 minutes of playtime, going 3-for-6 from midrange, including a made three-pointer, and grabbing eight rebounds. She tallied 11 points, 2 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal — a full stat line in limited minutes.

broadcasters Caught Laughing — Another Media Moment?

However, the narrative surrounding Reese’s return wasn’t all celebratory.

In the first half, after a slightly awkward sequence where Reese missed a shot and scrambled for a loose ball, female broadcasters calling the game were heard laughing during the play-by-play.

The moment quickly went viral.

Clips of the commentary began circulating on social media with captions like:

“Even the announcers are clowning Angel Reese now?”

“This is getting out of hand — let the girl play!”

Some fans were outraged, interpreting the laughter as disrespectful or dismissive of a player who was not only coming off an injury but giving everything she had in a losing season.

Others defended the broadcasters, calling it a moment of harmless levity. But the fact that Angel Reese keeps finding herself at the center of media firestorms, even during comeback games, speaks volumes about her visibility — and the double standards she often faces.

Stats Don’t Lie: Angel Reese Is Chicago’s Foundation

In a league filled with rising stars and viral talent, few players have had the same immediate, measurable impact as Angel Reese.

Consider this:

The Chicago Sky’s record without Reese this season is a shocking 1–8.

With her in the lineup, they’ve won the majority of their games, or at least remained competitive in losses.

She leads the team in rebounds, free throw attempts, and second-chance points.

More than any number, she brings intensity, leadership, and a relentless will to win.

Her return against Washington, even in a loss, showcased everything that makes her valuable — not just as an athlete, but as a culture-setter.

She Plays Through Pain — And Pressure

What makes Reese’s return even more impressive is the mental pressure she’s under.

Just hours before tip-off, clips resurfaced of MLB commentator John Kruk mocking her during a Phillies game broadcast. Kruk, in a strange and seemingly unprovoked moment, made a snide comment referencing Reese as someone who “just cleans up missed shots” — a backhanded jab at her game.

Reese responded swiftly on X (formerly Twitter):

“Clout is a STRONG drug. It really reaches a certain level.”

Then on TikTok, she followed up with:

“To anyone who’s treated me badly and is now struggling in life, good luck.”

These posts weren’t just clapbacks. They were cries of exhaustion from a player constantly held to a different standard — someone who’s become a lightning rod for criticism, both inside and outside her sport.

Angel vs. the Narrative: Why She Stays Under Fire

Why does Angel Reese attract so much attention — both good and bad?

Some say it’s because of her confidence. Others blame her outspoken social media presence. And some just can’t handle the fact that a 22-year-old Black woman refuses to conform to expectations of how female athletes should behave.

She’s been called too emotional, too cocky, too flashy, too physical — and yet, all those traits are exactly what make her a star.

It’s not just that she’s good. It’s that she knows she’s good, and she refuses to shrink herself for anyone.

Her Return Is Bigger Than Basketball

Tuesday night’s game wasn’t just about minutes and points. It was about resilience, representation, and resistance.

Angel Reese returned to a team in free fall, under the weight of a five-game losing streak. She didn’t wait to be fully healthy. She didn’t complain. She just showed up — in full force — and gave her team everything she had.

She put up double-digit points. She fought for rebounds. She absorbed contact. She inspired her teammates. She silenced doubters. And through it all, she carried the pressure of being the league’s most polarizing star.

Looking Ahead: Can the Sky Still Rise?

The road ahead won’t be easy for Chicago. Their playoff hopes are dwindling, and the remaining schedule is stacked with difficult matchups. But with Reese back in the lineup, there’s still hope.

If Tuesday’s game was any indication, she’s healthy enough to produce — and determined enough to lead.

With every rebound she rips down, every put-back she finishes, every minute she plays through pain, Angel Reese is proving a point:

She’s not just a star.
She’s a fighter.
And she’s not going anywhere