The Chicago Sky entered the 2025 WNBA season with high expectations and a roster that looked playoff-worthy on paper. However, just two games into the campaign, the team has found itself in full-blown crisis mode. With a historically poor start, visible internal tension, and one of its biggest stars—Angel Reese—underperforming, the Sky are rapidly becoming the season’s biggest disappointment.

Through two games, the Sky have posted a staggering -60 point differential, the worst in WNBA history to start a season. They were thoroughly dominated by the New York Liberty, losing 99–74 in a game that exposed every weakness in their game plan. While New York was raining down a league-record 19 three-pointers, Chicago struggled to hit even basic shots, finishing with a dismal 36.2% shooting percentage from the field.

At the center of this storm is rookie Angel Reese. After being one of the most hyped players coming out of college, Reese has so far failed to live up to expectations. Her performance against the Liberty was especially alarming: 0-for-8 from the field, just two points, and five turnovers in 27 minutes. While she grabbed 12 rebounds—including eight offensive—her inability to finish around the rim (a shockingly low 23.5% shooting percentage within five feet) has raised eyebrows across the league.

What’s worse is how visibly frustrated her teammates appear to be. Cameras caught fellow rookie Camila Cardoso distancing herself from the team during the Liberty game, particularly during sequences when Reese struggled to score. In one notable moment, Cardoso physically moved down the bench after another missed shot by Reese, sparking speculation that chemistry within the team is already falling apart.

These signs of discord aren’t just speculation. Veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot openly criticized the team’s offensive execution, calling many of their plays “dumb” and admitting they’re still trying to figure out their spacing and system. When seasoned players start using such candid language in postgame interviews, it’s clear the issues go deeper than just poor shooting.

The contrast between Chicago and teams like the Indiana Fever couldn’t be starker. Indiana, led by Caitlin Clark, also faced early setbacks this season but responded with resilience. After a loss to the Atlanta Dream, the Fever came back and dominated them in their rematch. Clark wasn’t spectacular statistically, but she led her team with composure, smart playmaking, and visible leadership. The Fever bench was engaged, unified, and encouraging—everything Chicago currently is not.

Clark’s team-first mentality is being praised as the foundation for long-term success. On the other hand, Reese’s struggles and the Sky’s chaotic energy on the bench suggest a locker room where trust is already eroding. It’s hard to build chemistry when your star player is missing layups and teammates can’t hide their frustration.

Another concern is the offensive system under new head coach Tyler Marsh. Cardoso was reportedly excited about Marsh’s arrival and bought into his vision, but the early results have been disastrous. When your forwards are unable to receive basic entry passes or are watching their touches disappear into wild shot attempts and turnovers, trust in the coaching staff quickly fades.

Social media hasn’t been kind, either. The now-viral clip of Reese missing multiple layups in a row, despite collecting several offensive rebounds, led to accusations of stat padding and underscored the team’s lack of scoring cohesion. Instead of building momentum, the Sky are stuck in a cycle of missed shots, poor spacing, and emotional disconnection.

It’s still early in the season, but the warning signs are everywhere. If this pattern continues, fans will start demanding major changes—possibly even a trade involving Reese, who despite her talent, seems to be more of a liability than an asset at the moment.

Reese has the talent to turn things around, but her window to prove herself is shrinking fast. With teammates visibly frustrated, coaches under scrutiny, and fans already losing patience, the pressure is mounting. The WNBA is unforgiving, and if the Sky can’t resolve their internal dysfunction soon, this season could go down as one of the most disappointing campaigns in franchise history.

Angel Reese has the spotlight—but what she does with it now will define the next phase of her career.