In a fiery showdown between Brittney Griner and Angel Reese, the rivalry between these two WNBA powerhouses reached new heights. The intensity on the court left fans buzzing—was this the breaking point in their already strained relationship? Find out what went down during the dramatic game and why this feud is taking the spotlight!

ANGEL REESE’S SHOOTING WOES CONTINUE AS BRITTNEY GRINER AND ATLANTA DREAM CRUSH CHICAGO SKY

Angel Reese’s struggles continued Friday night as the Chicago Sky fell decisively to Brittney Griner and the Atlanta Dream, 88-70. Reese’s shooting again became a focal point of criticism, highlighting growing concerns about her offensive play this season. Despite brief flashes of improvement, Reese’s overall performance against Griner and the Dream underscored deeper issues that have haunted her throughout the 2025 WNBA campaign.

SHOOTING STRUGGLES TAKE CENTER STAGE

In Friday’s highly anticipated showdown, Reese managed just 4-of-10 from the field, with several shots appearing uncomfortable or hurried. Her free-throw performance—just 4-of-7—also underwhelmed, further adding to her frustrating offensive night. Finishing the game with 12 points and nine rebounds, Reese failed once again to impact the game positively enough to boost Chicago’s struggling offense.

Reese’s difficulties were particularly visible in the second quarter. One glaring sequence came when Reese awkwardly attempted a layup that didn’t even hit the rim, drawing harsh criticism on social media. One X user bluntly remarked, “Angel Reese plays like Ewing when the MonStars took his talent.” It’s a harsh critique, but after multiple weeks of similarly puzzling plays, fans and critics alike are wondering if and when Reese will regain her once-promising form.

TEAM CHEMISTRY ON THIN ICE?

Perhaps more concerning than Reese’s individual shooting woes was the clear hesitation from teammates to involve her in critical moments. During the first quarter, Reese aggressively called for the ball in the low post, positioning herself to score. Shockingly, her teammates completely overlooked her, opting instead to dribble out the shot clock, resulting in a violation. This troubling sequence suggests a deeper issue of team chemistry and trust.

Chicago Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca has openly acknowledged Reese’s struggles, stating recently that improvements are “absolutely necessary.” Pagliocca’s comments underscored management’s growing impatience with Reese’s inconsistent performances. While the forward remains a productive rebounder—averaging double-digit boards throughout the season—her shaky offense clearly has teammates second-guessing her reliability on the court.

GRINER’S LOW-KEY DOMINANCE OVERSHADOWED REESE

While Reese grappled with another frustrating night, Brittney Griner quietly put together an efficient outing for the Dream. Despite taking just three field goal attempts, Griner made an impact, tallying seven points, four rebounds, and three critical blocks. Her +24 plus-minus rating—the highest of any player on the floor—highlighted her steadying presence. Griner’s composed performance contrasted sharply with Reese’s ongoing struggles.

Yet, despite Griner’s solid play, most of the postgame narrative focused on Reese’s offensive deficiencies, which once again stole the spotlight. The discrepancy between Reese’s potential and performance was striking, further exacerbating concerns about her ability to help the Sky recover from their 2-7 start.

A SEASON OF FRUSTRATION CONTINUES FOR CHICAGO

This latest loss deepens concerns for a Sky team now desperate for consistency. Reese’s season averages of 10.1 points and 12.1 rebounds remain respectable on paper, but her inefficient scoring and frequent turnovers undermine Chicago’s offensive flow. Her three turnovers on Friday contributed heavily to the Sky’s inability to mount any meaningful comeback.

The Sky’s offensive struggles can’t be placed solely on Reese’s shoulders, but her poor execution in crucial moments has repeatedly left the team unable to overcome deficits. When coupled with the visible lack of trust her teammates appear to have in her offensive decision-making, Chicago’s problems extend well beyond mere numbers.

CAN REESE REGAIN HER CONFIDENCE?

The pressing question remains whether Reese can regain her confidence and the trust of her teammates. Reese entered the season following a standout rookie campaign that set lofty expectations, and her current struggles to fulfill that promise have sparked significant doubt among fans, analysts, and management alike.

Throughout this season, Reese has maintained that external criticism does not affect her mindset, stating that she stays focused on improving day-by-day. Yet, the reality on the court appears to tell a different story, as hesitation, awkward shot selection, and occasional frustration paint the picture of a player battling self-doubt.

LOOKING AHEAD: CONNECTICUT SUN AWAIT

As Chicago prepares to face the Connecticut Sun this Sunday, Reese’s performance will again be under intense scrutiny. With the Sky desperately needing a victory to change momentum, the spotlight on Reese’s offensive execution will be brighter than ever.

The Chicago coaching staff must find ways to build Reese’s confidence while simultaneously repairing the fractured chemistry apparent in recent games. The team’s playoff hopes hinge not only on improving execution but also on their ability to reintegrate Reese effectively into their offensive strategy.

CONCLUSION: A CRITICAL CROSSROADS FOR REESE AND CHICAGO

Angel Reese’s latest disappointing outing against Brittney Griner and the Atlanta Dream highlights a critical crossroads in her young career. If the Sky hope to reverse their early-season fortunes, Reese must rediscover her offensive rhythm and rebuild the broken trust with her teammates.

Friday night’s loss revealed not just Reese’s ongoing struggles, but also deeper challenges in team chemistry and confidence. If Chicago and Reese can’t address these quickly, the season risks slipping away entirely. For Angel Reese, regaining form is no longer just about individual redemption—it may very well determine the future direction of her career and the Chicago Sky’s entire season.