An excellent exhibition by the Chicago Sky brought the fans the first upset of the season. The pre-season encounter featuring Angel Reese’s Chicago and last year’s WNBA finalists, the New York Liberty, ended in a massive 101-53 victory in favor of the Windy City. The three-time All-American forward had a huge say in how things turned out to be by the end of the night. Seemingly, she stood up against the likes of Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones in a phenomenal display of her defensive skills. However, that has something to do with her rival-turned-teammate, Kamilla Cardoso.

An elated Angel Reese addressed the media after her scintillating effort. On being asked to reflect on her defensive skills, Reese said, “Going into the game last night, coach Sydney had told me I had guarded 6-7 Kamilla obviously for a while now. Just being able to stay strong and go up. I mean, I’m only 6-3 but I kinda have a heart of a lion. Knowing how talented Jonquel (Jones) is and how talented Stewie (Breanna Stewart) is, I’m just trying to play the smart game.” 

For a second straight night, the 2024 SEC Player of the Year made the starting line-up. In the 19 minutes that head coach Teresa Weatherspoon entrusted her with, Reese was able to register 13 points and 5 rebounds next to her name. In addition to this, she was 6 of 10 while shooting from the field, along with 2 steals and 1 assist. Consequently, these numbers made her the third-best performer of the night after Marina Mabrey and Dana Evans.

Now, with the pre-season being concluded, Angel Reese and Co. gear up for their regular-season campaign.

A hectic May for Angel Reese and Chicago ahead

The commencement of the Eastern Conference will take place in Chicago Sky’s opening two clashes against the 3x WNBA champions Dallas Wings. Both of these games will take place at Dallas’ home turf, the College Park Center, on May 16 and 19, respectively. Another road game awaits Chicago when they will again lock horns with the Liberty at the Barclays Center. Following this, the Sky will next play host to Connecticut, Seattle, and Los Angeles at the Wintrust Arena in the upcoming three games to cap off the month.

At the moment, there is no denying that Angel Reese has the pedigree to take on some of the big guns in the league. She provided proof of that in the opening two games of her professional career. So, what more does this tenacious rookie have to offer the Sky? Fans are hoping to find that out soon.