Dwindling near the bottom of the eastern conference, the Chicago Sky really need this win today! Angel Reese and company are playing a rare afternoon game against the Phoenix Mercury, and they don’t have a lot to show for themselves going into this fixture. Two out of their three wins came against Dallas, a team that is struggling to get on its feet, and they’ve been blowing leads left, right, and center.

On one hand, Angel Reese had quite a good showing against the Mercury last time, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500+ points and 500+ rebounds! Her statline of 13 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 steals ensure that the Chicago Sky center is carrying a lot of momentum into today’s game. However, she keeps turning the ball over, which is not good considering Reese carries the brunt of the offensive load in Chicago.

This game is going to be a crucial for both teams, however, WNBA reporter Mitchell Hansen goofed up the details on X! His initial tweet reporting about today’s WNBA games reported a Phoenix Mercury vs Seattle Storm matchup instead. “Sorry, Phoenix vs. Chicago. Not Phoenix vs. Seattle.” He later corrected in a tweet.

Chicago’s competitors are currently second in the western conference, having won 10 games so far, and are on a 4 game win streak! With a packed frontcourt of Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, Angel Reese definitely has her work cut out for her. It has almost been a month since the two teams faced off against each other, and Phoenix ran away with the game 94-89. But has the Chicago Sky learned anything from their 5 point loss? What are their game plans for today? Let’s find out!

“We had them on the ropes,”: Angel Reese talks strategy ahead of important Phoenix showdown

It has been a frustrating cycle of blown leads and brutal losses for the Chicago Sky this season. While some games have been close, like the previous matchup against Phoenix, there have been way too many blowouts to count. On top of that, injury has left their roster bare, with Vandersloot out for the season because of an ACL tear.

So, in such a delicate situation, it becomes important for the team to strategize and prepare for every single scenario and outcome. And that’s exactly what Tyler Marsh and Angel Reese are doing! In a pre-game media availability on Friday, the six-foot-three superstar talked about her mindset and tactics for the upcoming game. “Just being able to slow them out. I think last game we had them on the ropes.” She said, when asked what the team will be emphasizing on.

Chicago, at one point, had a 16 point lead against the Mercury, but a fourth quarter masterclass by Satou Sabally ensured their loss. However, Alyssa Thomas played a crucial role, dropping 15 dimes and leading her team to success! Of course, the Sky will be focusing on her playmaking this time around.

Even Angel pointed out how skilled her matchup is. “Stopping her scoring, you can do that, but being able to slow her down for her assists. Like, she gets the ball out to players and does a great job.” The six-foot-three center said, outlining the dangerous aspect of Thomas. “Obviously, I look at that and try to do some of those things too within my game.”

It looks like Angel Reese has already started working on the facilitation part of her game. She put 11 assists in Chicago’s last win against the Connecticut Sun, but of course, playmaking is a double-edged sword to start off with. Reese has been turning over the ball more frequently, but looking at her intent? It’ll end up benefitting the Sky in the long run. We’re sure to see a lot of action in Phoenix and Chicago’s second matchup, so stay tuned!