Coming off a two-game winning streak, the Chicago Sky had the perfect chance to redeem themselves against Caitlin Clark and company. With the core of Indiana’s offense already sidelined due to injury, everything seemed to be in the Sky’s favor. But just as the team, riding a 2-5 record, looked ready to capitalize on the Fever’s vulnerability, they ended up losing their own “engine,” Courtney Vandersloot, and that too, early in the first quarter. That’s how Angel Reese and company ended up suffering yet another loss.
As the 15-year WNBA veteran crumbled to the floor, grabbing her right knee during a drive, it was instantly clear that something was seriously wrong. She was carried off the floor to the locker room and did not return for the rest of the game. Her absence in the coming matches seemed inevitable. And on Sunday, the team confirmed the worst: it was an ACL tear, officially ending her season.
No doubt, losing her average of 10.6 points per game is a big blow. But what hurts the Sky even more is that Vandersloot was their most experienced player. As the head coach put it best: “She’s our captain, our leader out there.” Considering that the two-time champion spent 12 seasons with Chicago before her two-year stint with New York, it’s no surprise she was the driving force behind this young roster featuring Reese, Cardoso, and Van Lith.
So, of course, many Sky players showed their support. Leading the way was Angel Reese, who posted an Instagram story featuring Vandersloot with the caption: “Love you 22,” a nod to the veteran’s jersey number. Well, Sloot was Reese’s breath of fresh air, after all.
May 6, 2025; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Sky Courtney Vandersloot (22) during the first half of a WNBA pre-season game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
It was a gentle reminder that no matter how tough things get, the team stands firmly behind Vandersloot in her recovery journey. But, of course, the wound the Sky suffered is real, and now they need the right medicine to heal it.
The team was already in deep water, and somehow, along the way, Vandersloot was supposed to root out the biggest problem in Reese’s play. For Reese to expand her offensive game, the floor general was supposed to create open looks for her. She was supposed to plant and water the confidence of staying away from the basket in Reese. However, just as they were in the process, it was brutally halted.
And the other star player around whom Marsh wanted to create the offense, Kamilla Cardoso, was heartbroken as well. “love you Slooty!!” Cardoso wrote on Instagram, sharing the Sky’s post that featured the #22 jersey front and center. Now, the entire team will need to step up if they want to make the general proud.
How Angel Reese and co. can deal with the Vandersloot void?
With Vandersloot out after just five minutes of gameplay, the Sky’s young roster looked completely unbalanced on the court. Just consider this: it was only Kamilla Cardoso leading the squad with eight points. Yes, eight points, as none of the players reached double digits in either scoring or assists, something that truly reflects Sloot’s irreplaceable presence on the court.
In the end, the team recorded just 52 points, their lowest output since 2011. For the Fever, meanwhile, it was yet another record—the fewest points they’ve allowed since 2015. But the void that showed up in this recent game is something the Sky may have to live with for the remainder of the season.
And to be honest, it’s not a very ideal situation for the Sky. With the third-worst record in the league at 2–5, and both wins coming only against the bottom-ranked Dallas Wings, the Sky urgently needs a solution. That could potentially be Hailey Van Lith, who logged a career-high 26 minutes in the recent game. “It’s heartbreaking to watch anybody, but especially one of your teammates and someone who means so much to us, as Sloot does to our team and this organization. Whatever’s in store for the future of this team, we’ll make this moment mean something in the end,” Van Lith expressed after the game.
But let’s be real, one rookie won’t be enough.
Angel Reese needs to return to her usual dominant form as well. While she has already proven herself as a rebounding force, leading the WNBA with 13.1 rebounds per game and posting a league-best 26 career double-doubles, her second season hasn’t started as strongly. Her rebounding and field goal percentage have dipped, with just 30.9% FG through seven games and an average of only 9.1 points per game. That’s why both Reese and Van Lith must step up and collectively fill the massive void Courtney Vandersloot leaves behind on the floor.
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