
In a disheartening start to the 2025 WNBA season, the Chicago Sky suffered a lopsided 99-74 defeat to the reigning champion New York Liberty in their home opener at Wintrust Arena on Thursday night. The loss, which marked the debut of rookie head coach Tyler Marsh at home, exposed critical inefficiencies in the Sky’s offensive execution, particularly from star forward Angel Reese, whose shooting struggles underscored broader team challenges. Marsh, candid in his post-game assessment, emphasized the need for improved efficiency and a shift in mindset to elevate the team’s performance moving forward.
The Liberty dominated from the opening tip, setting a WNBA regular-season record with 19 three-pointers, overwhelming the Sky’s defense and disrupting their rhythm. Marsh acknowledged the Liberty’s prowess, noting, “New York imposed their will on us a little bit and took us out of our rhythm.” The Sky’s offensive struggles were evident, with the team shooting just 36.2% from the field and committing 23 turnovers, five from Reese alone. Despite an improved 40.7% from beyond the arc (11-for-27), the Sky’s insistence on attacking the paint against Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones proved futile, leading to missed layups and groans from the Wintrust crowd.
Angel Reese, the Sky’s All-Star forward and 2024 rebounding leader, endured a career-low performance, scoring just two points on 0-for-8 shooting and 2-for-6 from the free-throw line. While she contributed 12 rebounds and three steals, her offensive woes highlighted an ongoing challenge from her rookie season, where she shot 39.1% from the field. Marsh’s new system, designed to leverage Reese’s versatility as a point-forward and midrange shooter, aims to diversify her role beyond the post. However, Thursday’s game showed that this transition is still a work in progress. “Offensively, we haven’t been in our groove yet,” said veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot, who returned to the Sky after winning a title with the Liberty in 2024.
Marsh, known for his player development expertise from his time with the Las Vegas Aces, remains optimistic despite the setback. He stressed the importance of establishing a consistent “Sky basketball” identity, stating, “It’s about playing to a standard of who we want to be, not just a score.” The Sky’s retooled roster, featuring veterans like Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins, and Kia Nurse, was expected to provide spacing and playmaking to support Reese and fellow big Kamilla Cardoso. Yet, the team’s early-season struggles—following a 93-58 loss to the Indiana Fever—suggest that chemistry and execution need time to gel.
For Reese, the pressure to evolve is palpable. Her rebounding prowess (13.1 per game in 2024) remains elite, but her scoring efficiency must improve to meet Marsh’s vision of a dynamic, multi-faceted contributor. As the Sky face a grueling schedule, including upcoming games against tough opponents, Reese’s ability to adapt—embracing midrange shots and playmaking duties—will be crucial. Marsh’s challenge is clear: transform raw talent into a cohesive unit. With fan support unwavering, as evidenced by the sea of No. 5 jerseys in the stands, the Sky’s journey to rediscover their championship form hinges on addressing these early