Chicago Sky Sinks Deeper into Crisis with a Crushing 66-85 Loss to New York Liberty
Chicago, June 11 – Tuesday night witnessed an emotional moment at the Chicago Sky’s press conference, where young star Angel Reese was fiercely defended by teammate Ariel Atkins against irrelevant questions from the media. The incident occurred following a devastating 66-85 loss to the New York Liberty, dropping the Sky to a dismal 2-6 record in the 2025 WNBA season.
Angel Reese Shines Amid Chicago Sky’s Dark Night
Despite the team’s lackluster performance, marked by 22 turnovers—nearly matching their 28 successful shots—Angel Reese delivered an impressive showing with 17 points on 8/13 shooting, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals. This performance cemented her as the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 30 double-doubles in a career, achieving the milestone in just 42 games—a remarkable feat for the 23-year-old talent.
Ariel Atkins’ Emotional Defense of Her Teammate
However, the spotlight wasn’t solely on Reese’s statistical brilliance but on a heartfelt moment when Ariel Atkins intervened during the press conference. When a reporter questioned Reese about the social media criticism she faces, Atkins interjected with conviction, saying, “Excuse me, can I say something?”
“This is a 23-year-old woman, and the amount of garbage she has to deal with daily is horrific, yet she keeps showing up,” Atkins declared sternly. The former Washington Mystics star continued, “We welcome any questions about basketball and the team, but this other nonsense has nothing to do with anything.”
A Powerful Message of Respect and Support for Young Talent
Atkins didn’t stop there, delivering a powerful message: “We’re struggling right now, but this is a 23-year-old woman who carries herself with grace in every situation… She knows who she is, and we won’t let anyone tear her down for that.” Her statement concluded with a poignant remark: “This young woman’s crown is heavy—respect it.”
Admirable Team Spirit Amid a Challenging Season
What makes Atkins’ defense particularly striking is that this is her first season with the Chicago Sky after seven years with the Washington Mystics. Her actions highlight the strong sense of camaraderie within the team, despite the performance struggles they face this season.
Angel Reese has faced significant criticism for her shooting struggles early in the season, but she remains one of the Sky’s most vital defensive pillars. With her talent and resilient spirit, she is poised to be a key factor in helping the Chicago Sky regain their form in the upcoming games of the 2025-26 season.