With two long Dutch braids, a pair of glasses, a black top, and a sparkling silver sling bag, “Chi-town Barbie” looked stunning. But one thing seemed a bit off: her left wrist, secured in a hard cast due to a recent injury. Despite this setback amid her series of historic double-doubles, Reese found a blessing in disguise!

It’s to motivate others. In order to avoid risking arthritis, the Chi-Town Barbie underwent surgery Tuesday night, following her wrist injury. Hours later, according to a tweet by Bekoe, she was at the arena to support the Chicago Sky versus the Washington Mystics. She was also spotted delivering motivational words to Sky’s leading scorer, Chennedy Carter, during a break.

Carter had earlier declared the LSU Tigress to be the Rookie of the Year. “She goes out, she does her work every single night, no matter what team we’re facing. I’m telling you, Barbie’s Rookie of the Year, for sure,” she had remarked. So while Carter might miss out on the rookie’s prized skills on the court, she sure isn’t letting go of the contribution Reese has to offer, in whatever form.

“Angel Reese x Chennedy Carter,” the tweet noted as Carter nodded her head to whatever the rookie had to say.

Following the conversation, Carter ended the game with 27 impressive points, six assists, and four rebounds. To further boost the team’s performance, Isabelle Harrison contributed 21 points and nine rebounds, filling the gap left by Chicago Sky’s standout.

However, the Sky couldn’t match the intensity of the Mystics’ roster. Carter and her team ended the game with an 89-58 loss. Now, the Sky holds a 1-4 record against the Mystics in the regular playoff series this season, with their sole win coming in the first game. Undoubtedly, the team has felt the absence of their standout rookie.

The Opportunity is up for grabs

Ever since the 22-year-old Maryland native left the court with her wrist injury, the Sky has been struggling. Once a top contender for a playoff spot, they are now battling with two other teams for the eighth and final berth. To secure this spot, the Sky needs to outplay the Atlanta Dream and now even the Washington Mystics.

But could this situation have been avoided? If the Sky had secured another win, they would have had a better chance at clinching a playoff spot, considering they face 3 top seeded teams in the remaining 4 games. With 8th loss in the last 10, the Windy City next faces Minnesota on Friday.

As usual, it won’t be an easy path. The Lynx are currently second in the overall WNBA rankings, and Phoenix Mercury stands just above Sky in the seventh position. Despite all the setbacks, can the Chicago Sky secure a playoff spot with their current roster?