Angel Reese has battled through tough starts, foul trouble, and physical play. But with a month left in the WNBA regular season, her latest challenge, a lingering back injury, has the Chicago Sky star sidelined with no clear return date.
Six Games and Counting
Reese last played on July 29, logging 22 points and 13 rebounds in a loss to the Washington Mystics despite obvious discomfort. Since then, she’s missed five straight games and was set to miss a sixth on Wednesday. Head coach Tyler Marsh said earlier this month there’s “no concrete timetable” for her return.
“It’s the back injury and she continues to be day-to-day,” Marsh explained. “She’s a competitor, she’s a fighter, she’s a winner. It’s hard for her not to be out there, but we want her to be as healthy as possible.”
From Slow Start to Historic Run
Reese’s sophomore season has been a roller coaster. She opened the year shooting just 30.9% through her first seven games, but steadily climbed out of the slump. On June 15, she recorded her first career triple-double, then began a run of 11 consecutive double-doubles, making her the first player in league history to have multiple streaks of at least 10 games.
During that streak, Reese is averaging 16.9 points and 13.1 rebounds on 50.9% shooting, earning her second All-Star nod in as many seasons.
Sky’s Season Slipping Away
Without Reese, the Sky have dropped 10 of their last 11 games and now sit 7½ games out of the final playoff spot with just 13 left to play. At 8-23, rushing her back doesn’t make sense, especially with a back injury.
For Chicago, it’s about the long-term health of their franchise cornerstone. For fans, it’s another frustrating setback after Reese’s rookie season was cut short by a hairline fracture in her left wrist.
What’s Next
There’s no telling when Reese will be back, but one thing is clear: her presence changes everything for the Sky. Until she’s ready, Chicago will have to fight to keep their season alive and hope their star’s historic streak isn’t over just yet.
