WNBA: Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever Sky forward Angel Reese (5) looks to shoot a basket Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-IndyStar via Imagn Images

ESPN sends strong rebuke to Angel Reese, Chicago Sky

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 20, 2025 4:49 PM ET

The Chicago Sky ‘s new-look offense was the talk of the WNBA leading up to their regular season debut against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday.

New head coach Tyler Marsh installed a new system with newcomers Courtney Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins, and Kia Nurse to help bring out the best in Angel Reese’s abilities on offense. Vandersloot, Atkins, and Nurse accounted for just 19 points in a 93-58 loss to the Fever.

Reese was the Sky’s Player of the Game, recording 12 points, one assist, and 17 rebounds while also contributing five turnovers.

ESPN sends the Chicago Sky and Angel Reese a strong rebuke

Following their embarrassing loss to Caitlin Clark and the Fever, ESPN sent a the Sky a strong rebuke in the power rankings, dropping them from No. 9 in the preseason to No. 12.

“The Sky didn’t look good offensively at any point in their 93-58 loss at Indiana on Saturday, shooting 29.1%,” ESPN’s Michael Voepel wrote. “But there is a new coach in Tyler Marsh and a new backcourt in Courtney Vandersloot, Kia Nurse and Ariel Atkins.

“Plus, the Fever played well. We will see how Chicago responds to such a dispiriting opener.”

The Sky are set to play their home opener against the defending champion New York Liberty on Thursday night. Vandersloot has an opportunity to go against her former team at Wintrust Arena, though many Chicago fans hope Marsh gives extra minutes to her understudy, rookie Hailey Van Lith.

WNBA: Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith (2) in the second half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: