On a night when the Chicago Sky were hoping for a statement win, they were instead obliterated by the Minnesota Lynx in a performance that revealed just how far they are from being a legitimate contender. With a final score of 91-68, the Lynx not only won—they utterly dismantled the Sky in a way that showed no mercy. From the very first tip-off, Minnesota controlled every aspect of the game, methodically picking apart Chicago’s game plan. The Sky’s offensive struggles were apparent as they turned the ball over 23 times, a number that would make any coach cringe, and their defense was nowhere to be found. Despite having Angel Reese, the supposed franchise player, on the court, the Sky looked like a team that didn’t belong in the same league as the Lynx.

One of the key takeaways from this disastrous performance was Angel Reese’s turnovers. With a stat line of 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 turnovers, Reese showcased a side of her game that has been consistently problematic throughout the season. While she continues to rack up double-doubles, her individual stats are becoming more and more hollow with each passing game. Nine turnovers in a single game? That’s not just a bad night—it’s a pattern of poor decision-making and lack of control that is actively hurting the team.

Reese’s turnovers were a disaster. Whether it was no-look passes that ended up in the hands of Lynx players or simple mistakes like traveling violations, it was clear that the 6’3” forward is not yet ready to be the primary ball handler, let alone the point-forward the Sky need her to be. The problem here isn’t just the turnovers themselves; it’s that they came at critical moments, killing any momentum Chicago tried to build. Every time Reese tried to take control of a possession, she either lost the ball or made a poor decision that led to a turnover. These weren’t just flukes; they were systemic issues with her ball-handling and decision-making.

The most striking aspect of the game, however, was how much better Chicago played when Reese was on the bench. When the ball was in the hands of players like Kia Nurse or Courtney Williams, the offense flowed more smoothly. The Sky seemed to make quicker decisions, move the ball more efficiently, and, most importantly, they were able to generate some semblance of offensive rhythm. When Reese was on the court, though, the Sky’s offense stagnated. Players stood around waiting for her to make something happen, and when she tried to make plays, they often ended in turnovers. This raises the uncomfortable question: Is Reese actually making the team worse?

Despite being Chicago’s leading scorer in this game with her double-double, Reese’s individual performance only highlighted her shortcomings as a point-forward. She simply does not have the ball-handling skills, vision, or decision-making ability to excel in that role. Point forwards need to be able to make plays for others, not just chase rebounds and pad their stats. Reese is not a playmaker—she’s a scorer, but even her scoring was inefficient. Her 4-8 shooting performance might seem decent at first glance, but it doesn’t make up for the chaos she created with her turnovers. Nine turnovers to three assists, with a -19 plus-minus rating, speaks volumes about her impact on the game.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, the Lynx displayed what winning basketball looks like. Nisa Collier and Kayla McBride both scored 19 points each, but they did so within the flow of the offense. Their contributions weren’t forced or selfish—they played unselfishly, constantly moving without the ball and creating opportunities for each other. The Lynx didn’t rely on one player to dominate the game; they spread the wealth, and it worked. Courtney Williams added 10 points and seven assists, contributing in multiple ways without disrupting the team’s flow. This is exactly what the Sky are lacking—a cohesive team effort. Instead of a group effort, the Sky are relying far too much on individual performances, particularly from Reese, who has proven to be more of a liability than an asset in high-pressure moments.

Chicago’s offense is disjointed, selfish, and inefficient, and much of that can be traced back to their supposed franchise player. Reese’s inability to make smart decisions with the ball has caused major problems for the Sky. Her poor ball handling, lack of vision, and erratic play have disrupted the team’s rhythm and created a significant gap in their ability to execute plays. Chicago’s reliance on Reese as the centerpiece of their offense is simply not working, and it’s become increasingly clear that her stats aren’t leading to wins. In fact, they might be actively hindering the team’s growth.

The reality for the Sky is stark: they are now two games behind the LA Sparks for the final playoff spot. With a 7-16 record, they’re almost out of the playoff race, and things need to change quickly if they want to turn their season around. Chicago needs to make some tough decisions, and one of those decisions may be trading Angel Reese. As harsh as it sounds, it may be time for the Sky to admit that building around her is a losing proposition. The data simply doesn’t support it. Until they address the fundamental issues within their offense—starting with their reliance on Reese as a point-forward—the Sky are destined to continue spiraling.

The performance against the Lynx exposed Chicago’s weaknesses for all to see. Whether they will acknowledge that their star player is part of the problem is yet to be seen. But if Chicago hopes to turn their season around, they may need to reassess their priorities and make some serious changes to their roster. The question remains: Is it time for the Sky to move on from Angel Reese? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.