“Fans in shock after worst performance of career in Sky’s home opener! CONSEQUENCES FOR ANGEL REESE !!”

In what was expected to be a celebratory night for the Chicago Sky’s home opener, things took a shocking turn when rookie sensation Angel Reese delivered the worst performance of her young WNBA career, scoring just 2 points in a lopsided 99-74 loss to the New York Liberty.

For fans who had eagerly packed Wintrust Arena hoping to see Reese shine under the spotlight, the outcome was nothing short of bewildering. Reese, who had built a massive following thanks to her dominant college career and off-court charisma, seemed out of sync from the moment the game began.

She missed her first three field goal attempts, struggled to find her rhythm in the paint, and appeared hesitant on both ends of the floor. In 24 minutes of play, Reese finished with just 2 points on 1-of-8 shooting, 3 rebounds, and 4 personal fouls.

So, what really happened?

The Pressure of the Spotlight

Sources close to the team suggest that the pressure of the home opener—coupled with Reese’s growing fame—may have affected her mental readiness. While Reese has thrived in high-stakes college environments, the expectations in the WNBA, especially for a team in a major market like Chicago, are magnified tenfold.

“She’s adjusting, but nights like this remind us she’s still learning,” said Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after the game. “Angel’s got the heart of a lion, but she needs time to adapt.”

Liberty’s Game Plan: Expose the Rookie

Credit also goes to the New York Liberty’s defensive scheme. Head coach Sandy Brondello devised a physical, punishing game plan designed to exploit Reese’s limited experience. Veteran forwards Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones trapped Reese early, cut off passing lanes, and physically challenged every shot she attempted.

“She wasn’t given an inch of breathing room,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “The Liberty were daring her to respond under pressure—and she struggled.”

Social Media Explodes

It didn’t take long for the internet to erupt with reactions. Fans on Twitter and TikTok flooded timelines with concerns, jokes, and in some cases, outright criticism. Some speculated whether Reese was benched partially for disciplinary reasons—though this remains unconfirmed. Others simply chalked it up to rookie growing pains.

One viral comment read: “Angel Reese looked like she left her game back in LSU. This is a wake-up call.”

Reese Responds

Shortly after the game, Reese posted a cryptic message on Instagram Stories: “God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.” Though she didn’t address the game directly, the message sparked speculation that she’s facing off-court challenges as well.

What’s Next?

The Sky will face the Dallas Wings next, and all eyes will be on Reese to see how she bounces back. Her teammates and coaches insist they still believe in her potential—but if these struggles continue, the narrative around her rookie year could shift dramatically.

Until then, fans are left wondering: was this just a bad night—or a warning sign of deeper issues ahead?