The Chicago Sky returned home to face Tina Charles and the Atlanta Dream on Saturday evening. Chicago got out to another slow start in the first half, which eventually led to their 89-80 loss.
Angel Reese had a stout performance, but the absence of Elizabeth Williams impacted the Sky’s interior presence. Reese emphasized Chicago’s need for improvement with a strong but encouraging take after the tough loss.
“Yeah, it’s tough. It’s tough because I hate losing, and I try to go out there every night and try to be as consistent as I can. I think having consistency 1 through 12 is important from the jump ball to the end.” Reese said during Saturday’s post-game press conference. “It’s not the coaches or the other team, it’s us.”
“We’ve been in games. we’ve come back many times, so I think we internally have to look ourselves in the mirror and figure out what we need to change quickly.”
Reese finished the night with 13 points and 13 rebounds, notching her third consecutive double-double. In addition, she became the third rookie in WNBA history to amass 13 points, 13 rebounds, and five steals in a game.
Chicago will continue to need her interior presence with Elizabeth Williams’ devastating knee injury. Reese’s experience playing against a veteran like Tina Charles will only help her get better as she and Chicago’s other players use accountability as a tool for improved team success.
In addition to her play, Reese has the task of developing more chemistry with fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso.
Cardoso is still ramping up her minutes after dealing with a preseason shoulder injury, but with time, she will be a great anchor for Chicago.
The 2024 third overall pick finished the game with 13 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon expects Cardoso and Reese to continue the have the high frontcourt standard that Elizabeth Williams set early on in the season. Weatherspoon also discussed the primary culprit in the team’s defeat to the Dream.
