Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Chicago Sky Coach Sends Message After Angel Reese Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 4:53 PM ET

Chicago’s recent back-to-back wins over Dallas highlighted a shift in the Sky’s approach as they edged out the Wings 97-92 at Wintrust Arena on May 29, followed by a 94-83 victory at College Park Center on Saturday.

Those contests snapped a four-game skid to open the 2025 season, moving the Sky to 2-4 and injecting some much-needed energy into a roster still finding its identity under first-year head coach Tyler Marsh.

The Sky’s back-to-back victories also showcased Marsh’s willingness to experiment, in particular, with turning to a smaller closing lineup featuring Angel Reese at the center spot.

On Friday, when asked by Chicago State of Mind Sports about that lineup choice, Marsh explained, "I mean, I like the spacing that it provides, the versatility that allows us to have on both ends of the floor. We could see different looks of that with a smaller lineup... So we’ll continue to search out some things and see what works."

We asked Coach Marsh about the closing lineup he utilized against Dallas with Angel Reese at the 5. #Skytown pic.twitter.com/mc7W9DjJgU
— Chicago State of Mind Sports (@ChiStateOfMind_) June 6, 2025

In the home win against the Wings, Kamilla Cardoso led the scoring with 23 points, and Reese chipped in nine rebounds despite a modest scoring output.

Two nights later, Ariel Atkins poured in 26 points to help seal the road win over Dallas, with Reese again leading the way with nine boards against a physical Wings frontcourt.

Marsh’s comments underscore a commitment to flexibility, even if relying on a 6-foot-3 player like Reese in the five spot might defy conventional wisdom.

Last season, Reese emerged as one of the most talked-about rookies in the WNBA.

After a star-studded college career at LSU, one that featured a national championship win over Caitlin Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes in 2023, Reese was selected fourth overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Sky.

As a rookie, Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds (led the league) per game, earning All-Star and All-Rookie honors.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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