It was supposed to be a showcase. Instead, it turned into a disaster. In front of a national audience, Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky suffered what may be the most humiliating loss in franchise history—a 112–58 blowout that has shaken the WNBA and raised serious doubts about one of its most hyped rookies.

For Reese, who entered the league with celebrity status, lucrative NIL deals, and massive social media momentum, this wasn’t just a bad night—it was a public unraveling.

The nightmare began immediately. Within four minutes, the Sky trailed 14–2. The defense was lifeless, the offense uncoordinated, and the energy nonexistent. By the end of the first quarter, Chicago had only managed 9 points while giving up 35. At halftime, the deficit ballooned to 40.

Reese had promised a bounce-back after weeks of criticism, but her performance only deepened the concern. She posted just 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 fouls in 17 minutes. Her frustration boiled over late in the third quarter when she sarcastically clapped at a referee and received a technical foul. She was benched soon after as the Sky trailed by more than 50.

“We just didn’t show up,” said head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. “And that starts with me. That was unacceptable. All of it.”

Let’s be clear: Angel Reese isn’t a bust. She’s a rookie, and rookies need time. But what’s becoming painfully obvious is that the hype is outrunning the production.

Reese was positioned as a generational talent and a symbol of culture, but over the last four games, she’s averaged 7.3 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting under 30% from the field. She leads the Sky in turnovers and has struggled with defensive assignments.

“We keep hearing about Angel Reese’s off-court impact,” WNBA analyst Cheryl Miller noted.
“But right now, the on-court product is damaging her brand more than building it.”

And it’s not just performance. Reese has made headlines for social media feuds, passive-aggressive interviews, and rumored tension with other rookies—including Caitlin Clark. But now, after this disastrous national appearance, the scrutiny is hitting hard—and it’s about basketball.

While Reese is the lightning rod, the entire Chicago Sky roster is in crisis. Marina Mabrey was held to 5 points, Dana Evans had more turnovers than assists, and Kamilla Cardoso, another promising rookie, quietly posted 3 points and 3 rebounds.

The Sky are now dead last in the WNBA standings, with the worst point differential and the league’s lowest-scoring offense. Fans left the arena early. Some booed. Others posted online, calling the performance “a complete embarrassment.”

“This wasn’t a loss—it was a meltdown,” one fan tweeted.
“It looked like they gave up.”

This game wasn’t just bad—it was nationally televised and heavily promoted as a “rookie rivalry” between Reese and Clark. While Clark continues to rise as a leader and playmaker, Reese’s moment in the spotlight turned into a collapse.

Broadcasters quickly pivoted from hyping the matchup to addressing the sheer dysfunction of Chicago.

“This is not what the WNBA wanted to put on prime time,” said veteran commentator Kevin Brown.
“It was hard to watch. Brutal, really.”

The league has invested heavily in the image of its new stars—but when one of its most promoted players collapses under pressure, it invites major questions about readiness, responsibility, and media influence.

Adding salt to the wound, opposing players didn’t hold back after the game. One veteran forward summed it up simply:

“Welcome to the league. This ain’t college. You’ve got to earn it here.”

Others took aim at the hype surrounding Reese, suggesting that endorsement deals and viral clips don’t make a pro.

“When no one’s watching—are you putting in the work?” one rival star asked.
“That’s what makes the difference in this league.”

There’s no sugarcoating it: Chicago is in crisis, and Angel Reese is at the center of it. Rumors are swirling of internal locker room rifts. Some veterans are reportedly frustrated with the continued attention Reese receives despite poor performances. A benching—or even a trade—may not be off the table.

The path forward for Reese? Tune out the noise. Own the criticism. And most importantly—get to work.

“Put your head down, put your phone down, and put the work in,” one former MVP tweeted.
“Talent isn’t enough. This league will expose you if you’re not ready.”

Angel Reese is a magnetic personality, a marketing powerhouse, and a symbol of something bigger than basketball. But at this level, results matter.

The same spotlight that elevated her has now turned harsh. The cameras don’t lie, and the fans won’t wait.

She’s still young. She still has the tools. And the comeback is still possible.

But the excuses are gone. The league has moved on. Now it’s her move.