Angel Reese, Chicago Sky Eliminated from Playoff Contention: What Comes Next for a Franchise in Crisis?

The Chicago Sky’s 2025 WNBA season officially hit rock bottom on Saturday evening, as the team’s 94-84 defeat to the Connecticut Sun mathematically eliminated them from playoff contention, a bitter confirmation of what many had already feared given their downward spiral and the growing disconnect between performance, expectations, and leadership within the organization.

Despite the loss, Angel Reese continued to etch her name into the record books by securing her 45th career double-double, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds, an achievement that tied her with Tina Charles for the most double-doubles by any player across their first two WNBA seasons, an accomplishment she managed in eight fewer games than Charles.

Yet the frustration for Reese and her supporters is that historic milestones, no matter how impressive, ultimately mean little when they are overshadowed by the weight of defeat, and the Sky’s nine wins against twenty-seven losses serve as the harshest reminder that basketball remains a team sport where individual brilliance cannot mask systemic dysfunction.

Adding to the chaos of Saturday’s contest, head coach Tyler Marsh lost his composure in spectacular fashion, exploding in anger just two minutes into the second quarter after officials refused to call what appeared to be clear contact by Aaliyah Edwards against Elizabeth Williams, leading to an ejection that left players bewildered and assistant coach Tanisha Wright in charge.

The scene painted a troubling portrait of a franchise under immense pressure, as Marsh stormed onto the court with such fury that Reese herself and several teammates had to physically restrain their coach, a surreal moment where the star players appeared calmer and more controlled than the very figure tasked with guiding them.

After the game, Marsh defended his outburst by citing a lack of accountability from officials, arguing that he had consistently fought for his players when technical fouls were issued, yet his words, while passionate, could not disguise the broader perception that the Sky’s struggles extend far beyond inconsistent refereeing.

NBC Sports analyst Natalie Esquire noted on social media that Marsh’s frustration echoed a sentiment shared by many across the league, that WNBA officiating has been inconsistent all season, yet she cautioned that his public meltdown should not overshadow the fact that Chicago’s issues are systemic and cannot be solved by focusing solely on referees.

For Reese, the defeat and the season’s collapse triggered a candid reflection on the uncertain future of the Sky, as she acknowledged that the roster is unlikely to remain intact, bluntly stating that some teammates would inevitably depart and trades would shake the core of the squad, leaving the team’s chemistry and identity in question.

Her words carried a mix of melancholy and maturity, as she emphasized the importance of cherishing the present despite disappointment, reminding everyone that the game can be taken away at any moment, and players must maximize every chance they have to compete alongside one another, regardless of looming roster upheavals.

Reese’s reflections hit harder when one considers the offseason optimism that surrounded Chicago, a team that believed it had bolstered its chances by acquiring two-time champion Courtney Vandersloot and trading for defensive specialist Ariel Atkins, parting with the third overall pick of the draft in the process.

That decision now stings in hindsight, as the pick became Sonia Citron, a rookie for the Washington Mystics who has impressed so much that she is giving Paige Bueckers, the consensus Rookie of the Year frontrunner, legitimate competition for the award, raising painful questions about the Sky’s decision-making and long-term strategy.

Currently, only Reese, her frontcourt partner Kamilla Cardoso, and rookies Hailey Van Lith and Maddy Westbeld remain under contract beyond 2025, meaning that the Sky face an offseason where dramatic changes are not just possible but inevitable, with veterans and short-term signings likely to be moved to reset the roster.

For Reese personally, this season has been both a triumph and a torment, as her 19th double-double of the campaign ties her with established stars like A’ja Wilson and Alyssa Thomas, placing her in elite company, yet those accolades feel hollow when her playoff debut continues to remain out of reach.

The contrast between Reese’s growth and the team’s regression raises uncomfortable questions for the organization, with some observers now suggesting that the Sky should consider shutting down Reese for the remainder of the season, protecting her health and energy in what has already become a lost campaign with no postseason at stake.

Such a decision would not be unprecedented, as franchises across professional sports have often chosen to prioritize the long-term health of their cornerstone players when seasons are effectively over, yet the optics of shelving one of the WNBA’s most marketable young stars could prove damaging from both a business and fan-engagement perspective.

At the same time, Reese’s competitive spirit makes it difficult to imagine her willingly stepping aside, especially when she has demonstrated resilience and pride in suiting up each night despite the adversity surrounding her, becoming not only the team’s statistical leader but also its emotional heartbeat.

Her fire was visible even during Saturday’s meltdown, as she attempted to de-escalate Marsh’s altercation with officials, displaying a maturity that belied her youth, and reinforcing the narrative that she has already embraced responsibilities that extend beyond points and rebounds into leadership and accountability.

Still, the Chicago Sky must confront harsh realities, as their roster construction has proven faulty, their coach has shown signs of cracking under pressure, and their fanbase is growing restless, particularly given the success of rival franchises that appear to have executed clearer visions and more cohesive strategies.

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Sky head coach Marsh had to be held back after confronting WNBA officialsCredit: Getty

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It has been an extremely frustrating season for Reese and the SkyCredit: Getty

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Only four Sky players are contracted beyond 2025Credit: Getty