Angel Reese Struggles as Liberty Overwhelm Sky in Impressive Victory

Angel Reese Struggles as Liberty Overwhelm Sky in Impressive Victory

Thursday night brought significant disappointment for the Chicago Sky and for Angel Reese, a player who has drawn considerable attention in recent seasons.

The Sky faced the reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty, in a game that ended with a decisive score of 99 to 74. Yet, a moment early in the match captured Reese’s struggles and served as a preview of her entire performance.

Just under three minutes into the fight, Reese showcased her tenacity by securing five offensive rebounds in a mere 19 seconds. However, this flurry of rebounds stemmed largely from her own misfires.

Reese missed four shots from close range, two of which met with blocks from the opposition. Eventually, she passed the ball to Kia Nurse, only for Nurse to miss a critical three-pointer. Frustratingly, Reese was unable to capitalize on that situation, raising questions about her shooting efficiency.

This particular sequence gained traction on social media, where fans and critics alike took note. Some online voices humorously commented on Reese’s performance, with one user quipping that she was “not beating the allegations” regarding her shooting struggles.

The former LSU standout had an impressive last season, averaging a double-double and setting a WNBA record for the most rebounds in a single season. An injury, however, interrupted her momentum, allowing A’ja Wilson to surpass her record. Nonetheless, skeptics often highlight that Reese’s rebounding statistics might benefit from missed layups, leading to her reclaiming her own missed shots.

Ultimately, Reese concluded the game without making a single basket, finishing with just two points and 12 rebounds, eight of which came from offensive grabs, including the five recorded in one sequence.

This performance marked a significant departure from her previous track record. It was the first time since 2021 that Reese failed to score a basket in a game, breaking a remarkable streak of 136 games across both college and professional play.

Earlier this season, Reese had already made headlines by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 450 points and 450 rebounds, demonstrating her potential and skill on the court.

Liberty’s Stunning Performance

In stark contrast to Reese’s struggles, the New York Liberty displayed exceptional prowess throughout the game. They not only dominated their opponent but also set a WNBA record by sinking 19 three-pointers in their victory. This feat outpaced the previous record of 22, achieved by the Las Vegas Aces in a playoff game.

In total, eight of the nine Liberty players who attempted a three-pointer were successful in their efforts. Natasha Cloud and Kennedy Burke excelled, each making four three-pointers to contribute significantly to the scoreline.

Overall, New York completed 55% of their shots and nailed 16 of 17 free throws, showcasing their offensive efficiency and contrasting sharply with Reese’s night of shooting challenges.

Upcoming Matches for Sky and Liberty

Looking ahead, the Liberty will face Caitlin Clark and her team in Indiana on Saturday, aiming to continue their momentum following this impressive victory. Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky will head west to face the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday, seeking redemption after this dispiriting loss.

In summary, while Angel Reese’s difficulties on Thursday night garnered viral attention, the New York Liberty emerged as a powerful force, reminding the WNBA of their championship caliber. With the season still unfolding, both teams will look to adjust and find success in their upcoming matchups.