Why the Chicago Sky’s Defeat to the Seattle Storm Raises Alarming Questions Despite Angel Reese’s Strong Return

When the Chicago Sky walked onto the court against the Seattle Storm, the narrative seemed primed for a redemption story, especially with the much-anticipated return of Angel Reese, whose presence has been sorely missed, and yet, the bitter reality of a 94–88 defeat left far more questions than celebrations.

For fans, the box score tells a story of promise—Reese’s 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and efficient shooting of 9-of-13 were signs of her maturity and readiness to anchor the team—but the experts looking deeper into the patterns of the game highlight the underlying cracks that even her return could not plaster over.

The first glaring issue is structural: while Reese injected intensity and provided an interior presence that kept the Sky competitive, the team as a whole lacked the defensive discipline needed to contain Seattle’s balanced offensive attack, as Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike repeatedly found gaps in Chicago’s rotations.

One could argue that Chicago’s defensive woes are not new but were brutally exposed in this matchup, with Seattle executing crisp ball movement that forced the Sky to scramble, and the inability to close out on shooters or contest effectively resulted in efficient scoring runs that ultimately created separation.

On the offensive side, Reese’s performance was undoubtedly a bright spot, but the reliance on individual talent rather than coherent, flowing sets left the Sky vulnerable whenever Seattle ramped up their defensive pressure, and Chicago’s half-court execution too often fell stagnant.

Experts note that while Ariel Atkins’ 19 points and Kia Nurse’s 13 were welcome contributions, the absence of consistent scoring threats outside of these flashes meant that Chicago simply did not have the firepower to sustain momentum across four quarters, especially against a disciplined Storm team.

Another critical point of analysis revolves around depth, as Chicago’s bench production remains a persistent weakness, with limited options beyond the starters, forcing heavy minutes and responsibilities on core players, which becomes increasingly unsustainable during close games or when facing deep playoff-caliber opponents.

The psychological component cannot be ignored either, because while Reese brought undeniable energy and effort, the overall body language of the team seemed tentative, suggesting that despite individual sparks, the collective confidence in closing out games is still not where it needs to be.

For Reese personally, her return underscored her readiness to be a foundational piece of the franchise, but it also exposed the unfair expectation being placed on her shoulders, as the Sky cannot realistically expect a second-year player, no matter how talented, to fix systemic flaws in both offense and defense.

From a coaching perspective, there is growing discussion about whether adjustments are being made quickly enough in-game, since Seattle’s adjustments after the first quarter shifted momentum decisively, while Chicago seemed reactive rather than proactive in trying to disrupt the Storm’s rhythm.

The second-quarter collapse, where Seattle carved out a 12-point cushion, was a pivotal stretch, and the inability of the Sky to stop the bleeding speaks volumes about their struggles in managing in-game adversity, which is a hallmark of less experienced or less cohesive squads.

Furthermore, while Chicago did mount a late push, the comeback effort lacked structure, resembling more of a desperation rally than a calculated strategy, highlighting once again the difference between a team with a clear identity and one still searching for its foundation.

Looking ahead, the implications are significant, because while the Sky remain mathematically alive in the playoff race due to the Mystics’ concurrent loss, the deeper question remains whether this team is genuinely equipped to contend or simply treading water until larger structural changes can be made.

Experts emphasize that the Sky must address their defensive identity, because relying solely on outscoring opponents is not sustainable, particularly in the WNBA where elite teams combine efficiency with defensive grit, and without this evolution, Chicago risks wasting the potential of talents like Reese.

At the same time, there are undeniable positives, including Reese’s growth, the resilience shown in late stretches of the game, and flashes of chemistry that suggest the foundation is not beyond repair, but those positives are overshadowed by the recurring inability to close out winnable contests.

The comparison with Seattle is instructive, because while the Storm boast veterans like Diggins and Ogwumike who consistently execute under pressure, the Sky lack that same stabilizing presence in crunch moments, and until someone steps into that role, their struggles are likely to persist.

In broader terms, this game serves as a microcosm of the Sky’s season: flashes of brilliance, particularly from young stars like Reese, undermined by inconsistent defense, lack of depth, and lapses in execution that ultimately doom them against better-structured opponents.

For Chicago’s management, the path forward must include not just player development but also strategic acquisitions that bolster both ends of the floor, because without reinforcements, the burden on players like Reese will only intensify, risking both burnout and underdevelopment.

Ultimately, while fans may find comfort in the return of their brightest young star and the statistical contributions she brings, the experts’ cold assessment is that the Chicago Sky’s problems run deeper than one player’s performance, and the recent defeat is a stark reminder of that reality.

The key takeaway is sobering: Angel Reese is a cornerstone and potentially a franchise-defining player, but until the team’s structure, strategy, and depth are recalibrated, Chicago will continue to find itself on the wrong side of close battles, no matter how inspiring her individual performances may be.

In conclusion, the defeat to the Seattle Storm was not just a single lost game but a mirror held up to the Chicago Sky’s ongoing struggles, raising urgent questions about identity, leadership, and resilience, and leaving fans to wonder if this was a stumble or a warning of something far more systemic.