Angel Reese Is Back on the Court at Last — Chicago Sky’s Much‑Needed Boost Arrives

After sitting out two games due to a lingering back injury, Angel Reese finally made her long‑awaited return to the court for the Chicago Sky on July 27, 2025. The timing could not have been more critical — the Sky entered the contest having lost their previous two games by a combined 53 points, stumbling to a disappointing 7–18 record on the season. Reese’s comeback immediately injected optimism and hope into her struggling team.

Reese joined the Sky in Washington, D.C., arriving at practice on Tuesday afternoon ahead of their matchup with the Washington Mystics. Coaches and players knew her presence would be a game‑changer. Following a successful practice session, her availability for the game was officially confirmed.

Yet once the first quarter tipped off, it became clear that Reese’s return wouldn’t start smoothly. She received the ball low in the paint against Mystics’ star Kiki Iriafen, and her very first shot missed—sliding frustratingly off the rim. Ever alert, Reese secured the offensive rebound, rose again, and attempted a put-back. Though that effort was blocked, the whistle blew: she’d committed a foul diving for the ball in a desperate hustle play.

Throughout the first quarter, Reese logged nearly 18 minutes of game time, demonstrating why the Sky clearly needed her back. By halftime, she had 11 points (on three two‑point field goals from around the foul line plus one three‑pointer), eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. It was a showing of energy and effort, even if not yet polished.

In the broadcast booth, the mood was tougher to gauge. Observers noted that female commentators could be heard laughing at Reese, drawing criticism and stirring frustration among fans—some saying the mockery came off as disrespectful and tone-deaf when a key player was attempting a comeback.

🔻 Injury Background & Return Context

Angel Reese’s season has been beset by injuries. Her sensational rookie season in 2024 came to an abrupt end in early September following wrist surgery. Despite setting rookie records—446 rebounds, 26 double-doubles, a 15-game double-double streak—her emotional announcement confirmed she would miss the rest of the year due to the injury ESPN.comFOX Sports.

Following recovery, Reese competed this winter in the Unrivaled 3‑on‑3 league. She starred for Rose BC, delivering the league’s first 20‑20 game (22 points, 21 rebounds), earning Defensive Player of the Year, and capturing the first‑ever Unrivaled championship WikipediaSBNation.com. However, in March, she re‑injured her surgically repaired left hand during a semifinal game. That setback sparked concern and fan anxiety, though official team updates remained sparse at the time RedditRedditSBNation.com.

During training camp and preseason in May, Reese appeared healthy and energetic—showcasing a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) in just 17 minutes during a Sky exhibition win over Brazil at LSU and reportedly cleared of her hand injury Swish Appealathlonsports.com. By mid‑June she earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors after averaging 19.7 PTS, 17.0 REB, 5.0 AST over a week, and was again selected to the 2025 WNBA All‑Star Game on July 6 WikipediaWikipedia.

Yet just before the Minnesota Lynx game on July 23, the Sky unexpectedly listed her as questionable with a back injury, marking her first absence due to a new ailment—this despite her contributions in the All‑Star Game and prior regular-season outings athlonsports.comSwish Appeal. That led to her missing the final contest before the break.

She returned against Minnesota on July 24, recording her 16th double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds) despite nine turnovers, but was assessed her seventh technical foul of the season—just one away from an automatic suspension under the current 44‑game rule in the WNBA The Sun.

📈 Reese’s Impact on the Sky

Angel Reese’s value to Chicago this year goes beyond statistics. The Sky had gone 1–8 without her across the past two games she missed. With her back, they’re noticeably more competitive—even in defeat. Her style of play—gritty, high motor, dominance on the glass—sets the tone for her teammates, especially younger players like Hailey Van Lith and Maddy Westbeld, both of whom spoke about Reese’s leadership during practices and training camp TalksportReddit.

Her performance also earns respect across the league. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White recently called her the “best rebounder”, even when Reese was sidelined—highlighting how feared she is amongst opponents The Times of IndiaHer aggressive return to action, especially the offensive rebound hustle, made clear that Reese had not lost her edge. Though the Sky trailed early, her activity and presence breathed new life into the bench and the team’s mindset.

🧩 Sky’s Season at a Glance

Record entering the game: 7–18, among the worst in the WNBA.

Recent form: Two straight losses by 53 total points combined.

Injury troubles: Courtney Vandersloot suffering an ACL tear in June; others sidelined for various issues Wikipediaathlonsports.com.

Coaching: First season under head coach Tyler Marsh, who emphasized development alongside veterans and rookies WikipediaTalksport.

Reese’s return comes at a pivotal moment—both for her own emerging stardom and for the team’s effort to turn things around.

🔮 What Lies Ahead

With her back injury evidently healed enough for action, fans and analysts alike will be tracking:

Whether she can avoid another injury, especially with her history of wrist/hand problems. Protecting her health will be critical to the Sky’s season; her availability correlates closely with team success.

Discipline on the court, given her nearing suspension threshold with seven technicals already logged.

Synergy with newer teammates, including how her energy and experience lift rookie players and integrate with additions like Kia Nurse, Courtney Vandersloot, and Arella Guirantes Wikipediaathlonsports.com.

Potential playoff push: While currently rooted near the bottom of the standings, the Sky need a significant turn—and having their leading rebounder and former All-Star back could provide exactly that spark.

🏁 Conclusion

Angel Reese’s return on July 27, 2025, marked more than just a personal comeback—it represented a potential turning point for a struggling Chicago Sky squad. Though off to a shaky start, her return galvanized her teammates, offering both tangible stats and an intangible lift in spirit. Her first-half showing—despite a missed shot and a difficult start—showcased her intensity and hustle immediately.

Officiating controversies aside, fans across the league now see what adversity the Sky have faced without her—and why her health and discipline are non-negotiable for any hope of a late-season turnaround. With Reese back in the fold, Chicago might finally begin to piece together the consistency and energy they’ve lacked all year.

The full story of her return, the team’s response, and whether this marks the beginning of a rebound stretch for Chicago Sky will be written on the court over the coming weeks.