Chicago Sky Facing Season-Ending Angel Reese Decision After Missing Aces Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 6:02 AM ET

The Chicago Sky simply could not contain the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday night. The Sky put up a respectable effort against a surging Aces side, but they ultimately came up short, 80-66, as Las Vegas secured its 14th straight win.

Absent from Sunday’s contest was two-time All-Star Angel Reese, who was benched for the first half after the Sky decided to punish her for her controversial comments about the squad. The team did not like how Reese seemingly threatened to leave Chicago if her objectives did not align with those of the squad.

Reese was expected to play in the second half after serving her punishment, but she ended up staying on the bench. This is after the Sky ruled the 23-year-old out for the remainder of the contest due to a back injury.

In his postgame interview, head coach Tyler Marsh commented on the unfortunate development involving Reese, saying that the former LSU star reported the back issue to the medical staff before tip-off.

When asked if he was “worried” about Reese’s injury situation, Marsh was cryptic with his response.

"I think we got to gauge it day by day," he said. "Obviously, with two games remaining, Angel wants to be out there.

“We will continue to work with her and our medical team to see what the best approach is moving forward."

Coach Marsh on Angel Reese’s back injury and status going forward. #Skytown pic.twitter.com/XvrF7GJjQv
— Chicago State of Mind Sports (@ChiStateOfMind_) September 8, 2025

The Sky have nothing left to play for this season. After Sunday’s loss, they fell to 10-32 and are set on finishing with one of the worst records in the entire league.

As Marsh indicated, Reese wants to play in their last two remaining games, but the Sky are now faced with a decision on whether they will shut her down for the rest of the way.

It is worth noting that this would not be the first time for Reese. The 6-foot-3 forward missed the last six games of the season last year due to a wrist injury. At this point, it would not be a surprise if Chicago opts to have their star forward sit out the last two games of the campaign in order to avoid any reaggravation of her current back issue.

In 30 games played in 2025, Reese has put up averages of 14.7 points on 45.8% shooting, a league-best 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals in 31.6 minutes per contest.

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

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