It was supposed to be a bounce-back game.
Instead, it turned into a humiliating blowout — and Angel Reese was at the center of it all.
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On a night when Caitlin Clark didn’t even suit up, the Indiana Fever still demolished the Chicago Sky, silencing critics and proving that the Fever are more than just Clark — and that the Sky, even with their rookie star on the floor, still have major issues to fix.
The final score?
Indiana Fever 89 – Chicago Sky 59.
A 30-point embarrassment for Reese and her squad.
And fans aren’t holding back.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The Fever, led by a breakout performance from NaLyssa Smith (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Kristy Wallace (17 points off the bench), dominated every quarter. They out-rebounded, out-hustled, and out-executed the Sky in all areas — and it wasn’t even close.
Angel Reese?
5 points
4 rebounds
3 turnovers
5 personal fouls
-17 plus/minus
Benched with 6 minutes left in the fourth quarter
“She looked frustrated, flat, and completely out of sync,” said one broadcaster.
“If you’re going to be the face of the franchise, you can’t disappear like this.”
Social Media Eruption: “Where’s Angel Now?”
The reaction online was instant and merciless.
#ReeseExposed and #FeverWithoutClark trended within an hour
Meme accounts posted side-by-side footage of Reese talking trash last week and missing wide-open layups in this game
One viral tweet:
“Caitlin Clark didn’t even play — and the Fever still cooked. Angel Reese has no excuses left.”
Even ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith weighed in postgame:
“This was supposed to be her game. Clark’s out. Prime time. National spotlight. And she got smoked. Ain’t nothing else to say.”
What Went Wrong for Reese?
Simply put: everything.
Her footwork was off.
Her defensive rotations were late.
She committed multiple frustration fouls early and never recovered.
Worse yet, her body language drew criticism from fans and analysts alike.
“You can’t sulk when you’re losing,” said analyst Monica McNutt.
“You lead through adversity, not just when things are good.”
Multiple times during the game, Reese could be seen shaking her head, avoiding eye contact with coaches, and sitting alone during timeouts.
Coach Weatherspoon Responds: “We Need More From Everyone”
After the game, Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon was asked directly about Reese’s performance. Her answer was brief — but telling.
“This is the WNBA. It’s not supposed to be easy. We need more from everyone — including Angel.”
When asked if Reese’s starting spot was in jeopardy moving forward, Weatherspoon did not confirm — but didn’t rule it out either.
“We’ll review the tape. We’ll play who gives us the best chance to win.”
Translation? Everything’s on the table.
Cardoso Rising, Reese Falling?
Once again, Kamilla Cardoso quietly outperformed her rookie counterpart.
11 points
9 rebounds
3 blocks
+21 plus/minus
Zero drama
And fans noticed.
“Kamilla’s what we hoped Angel would be,” said one Sky fan.
“She doesn’t talk. She just plays.”
The growing divide between the two rookies is quickly becoming a defining storyline in Chicago — and across the WNBA.
Reese Postgame: Silent, No Comment
Reese declined to speak to reporters after the game — for the second time in three games.
Team officials issued a brief statement:
“Angel is focused on recovery and improvement. She’ll speak when ready.”
But fans are growing tired of the silence.
“You want to be a leader? Face the music,” one user posted.
“When you win, you talk. When you lose, you disappear. Not a good look.”
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Reese’s Career
Angel Reese came into the league with massive hype, a powerful NIL portfolio, and a persona built on intensity, swagger, and competitive fire.
But five weeks into the season, her stats are declining, her confidence is shaken, and her role on the team is now in doubt.
Her field goal percentage has dipped to under 38%
She’s averaging 4.1 fouls per game
Her plus/minus is among the worst for any starting forward in the league
“She needs a reset,” said former player and current analyst Candice Wiggins.
“Take a step back. Go to the film room. Let your game do the talking again.”
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark — Watching, Smiling
Clark sat on the bench in street clothes — smiling, cheering, and supporting her teammates.
She didn’t say a word about Reese. She didn’t need to.
Her team made the statement.
And in a poetic twist, the Fever played their best basketball of the season — without their star — while the Sky, with Reese front and center, completely unraveled.
Final Thought: Time to Grow or Time to Go?
No one is saying Angel Reese doesn’t belong in the league.
But performances like this — in games where the spotlight is hers for the taking — are going to define her future. Not TikToks. Not soundbites. Not postgame walkouts.
The WNBA is about what you do when the lights are brightest.
Clark has proven she’s built for the moment.
Right now?
Reese is shrinking from it.
