The beginning of the WNBA season was a tough one for the Sky, and more specifically, for Angel Reese. The league sophomore was dogged by accusations that she can't make lay-ups, that her singular rebounding numbers can be chalked up to getting a lot of so-called mebounds (offensive rebounds), and even that the team might consider trading her away. Instead of responding to critics on social media, it's clear now that Reese went into the gym and is responding the best possible way: on the court.
There is, frankly, no denying what Reese is doing at the moment. The 23-year-old is coming off back-to-back-to-back-to-back double-doubles, having clocked 24 points and 16 rebounds, 17 points and 18 rebounds, 18 points and 17 rebounds, and 10 points and 19 rebounds in her last four games. She's shining defensively and offensively, and she's got a whole lot of season left.
Reese's improvements come as the Sky weathers coaching doubts
What makes Reese's performances especially impressive is that things for the Sky as a whole continue to be tough. The team has racked up some wins of late, but not enough to dissuade those who doubt Coach Tyler Marsh and GM Jeff Pagliocca's overall vision.
The duo's decision to bring in veteran guard Ariel Atkins and give up a first-round draft pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft has been oft-debated this season, and for good reason — it's becoming apparent the Sky would have benefitted more from making a few draft picks instead of pursuing vets during free agency.
Angel Reese might finally shake the Caitlin Clark comparisons
There's another major upside to Reese's recent dominant on the floor: she's showing the WNBA and fans what she can do, and by keeping it off social media and on the court, she's also proving that the comparisons and debate she and Caitlin Clark have weathered for years has been pretty... pointless.
Reese and Clark are very different players with very different skill sets and very different pathways in the league. Comparing their achievements on the court has always been misguided; while it made more sense when they were both young, both women are playing at the professional level in the toughest, most talented league in the world now.
The more Reese continues to dominate and to show off her strongest skills, the higher she will continue to rise. While it's clear the Sky still has work to do as a team and a franchise, Reese is showing that when it comes to the rest of the 2025 season, she's locked in.