The Chicago Sky fell to the Washington Mystics on Tuesday night, 103–86, dropping to 7–19 on the season and putting them firmly on the outside looking in as they hope to make a legitimate run over the final 18 games to get back into postseason contention. After missing the previous two games, star forward Angel Reese returned and didn’t miss a beat, tallying 22 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Reese will be out alongside Ariel Atkins (leg), who has missed the last five games.
Unfortunate Angel Reese News Sparks Concern on Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Sky fell to the Washington Mystics on Tuesday night, 103–86, dropping to 7–19 on the season and putting them firmly on the outside looking in as they hope to make a legitimate run over the final 18 games to get back into postseason contention.
After missing the previous two games, star forward Angel Reese returned and didn’t miss a beat, tallying 22 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks.
However, ahead of Friday’s home showdown against the Golden State Valkyries, some unfortunate news emerged: Reese has already been ruled “out” with a back injury—the same issue that sidelined her against both the Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm.
Reese will be out alongside Ariel Atkins (leg), who has missed the last five games. Meanwhile, Hailey Van Lith (ankle) and Michaela Onyenwere (knee) are currently listed as questionable.
Angel Reese (back) ruled out for Friday.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) July 31, 2025
Fans reacted to the Reese being ruled out on Friday:
"at this point let her rest until she is ready!! its not worth it on her body man," a fan said.
Someone else added, "Why did Tyler make her play Tuesday? She should take all the time she needs to heal."
Another person wrote, "let her sit and don’t let her up until she is better!!! y’all will not give her a permanent injury. "
"It makes no sense to continue to play her if she has an issue with her back. They're not going to make the playoffs, so allow her time to heal," One more fan commented.
Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesDale Zanine-Imagn Images
Reese has had a stellar season with the Sky from a statistical standpoint, earning her second consecutive All-Star selection. However, much like her rookie campaign, individual success hasn’t translated into wins.
The Sky finished 13–27 last season, and unless they turn things around quickly, they appear to be on a similar trajectory this year. The former LSU star is averaging 14.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 44.4% from the field and 79.0% from the free-throw line.
In games that Reese has missed during her two seasons in the WNBA, the Sky are just 1–8. They’ll now face a 12–13 Golden State Valkyries team on Friday.
Related: Chicago Sky Veteran Refuses to Blame Coach Tyler Marsh After 38-Point Blowout
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
