The Target Center has turned into a fortress for the Minnesota Lynx this season. Thirteen games in, and they’re still unbeaten at home. The latest challengers? The Chicago Sky, led by superstar Angel Reese. But, Napheesa Collier and co were a tad too much for them. The Lynx beat the Sky 98-61, but that didn’t stop Phee from commending the sophomore star’s game.
Despite the blowout defeat, it was Reese who tried to steady the reins for the Windy City franchise. She finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists, achieving another milestone in the process– she became the only player in WNBA history with multiple streaks of 10+ double-doubles. Naturally, the praise came pouring in!
Napheesa Collier didn’t waste any time giving Reese her flowers. In the post-game conference, she said, “I think her ability to go from the wing to the three-point line and attacking. She’s a really strong player, she’s developing her handle, she’s developing her shot… I think that she has developed that a lot from last year… She’s kind of taking people off the bounce a little bit more, which obviously is really good for her game.”
Napheesa Collier on the growth of Angel Reese’s game
“I think (in) her ability to go from the wing to the three point line and attacking. She’s a really strong player, she’s developing her handle she’s developing her shot… she’s kind of taking people off the bounce a little bit… pic.twitter.com/9DGVPjoepT
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) July 23, 2025
That’s a very fair assessment from Phee. Angel did work extensively on her shooting this offseason, which was inevitable given that she was offered help by WNBA legend Lisa Leslie. And it definitely paid dividends. When we compare Reese’s stats from her rookie year, we see a clear improvement in her shooting efficiency.
The Bayou Barbie’s field goal efficiency has jumped from 39.1% to 44.6% this year. Now, this might not seem like much at first glance, but when you factor in the fact that she was shooting just 35.1% from the field in her first eight games, you realize Reese is just getting started.
In her last eight games before meeting the Lynx, the Sky forward was averaging 19.1 points, 14.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. And the best part? She was shooting 52.7% from the field. That’s not all! Her three-point shooting has also improved this season, jumping from 18.8% to 21.1%.
But with this improvement came additional responsibility for Reese! She’s been playing more of a facilitator role for the Sky lately due to their lack of backcourt depth. And that hasn’t worked out well for them. Reese turned the ball over 9 times against the Lynx and currently leads the league in the category. So, it’s fair to say she still has a lot to learn. And that’s where Phee’s role becomes so crucial!
Collier continues saying, “It’s like I want you to develop but maybe not against us (smiling). No it’s great. I feel like that is what it’s about. Like paying it forward, especially helping the younger generation to develop and get better, that’s why we made Unrivaled.”
It goes without saying that Unrivaled was a huge help for Angel Reese. Playing for Rose BC, who lost their first two games of the season before going on to win the championship, taught her what it’s like to come back from a seemingly hopeless situation. Playing alongside the likes of Brittney Sykes, Kahleah Cooper, and Chelsea Gray Reese seems to have been a sponge.
But perhaps the highlight of the tournament for her was winning Defensive Player of the Year. So, safe to say, the Chi-Town Barbie has come out a different player after the off-season. But there’s another concern Reese has had to deal with. This one places her in a dangerous potential of missing the next game.
Suspension looms over Angel Reese
In the game against the Minnesota Lynx, Reese was hit with her seventh technical foul of the season. The reason? A disagreement over what she believed was a bad call by the refs. Time and again we’ve talked about how officials haven’t been making the right decisions and how that’s impacting the game. This is just another incident to add to that list.
Jul 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) interacts with the referee after a call against her in the first quarter against the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
For those wondering why she hasn’t been suspended yet after receiving her 7th technical? Well, those rules have changed this season due to the increase in the number of games to 44. So, if Reese gets another technical, she will be suspended for another game. A big worry for the Chicago Sky, who are already down to bare bones.
But Tyler Marsh remains optimistic about his team’s abilities. Even in the loss, he chose to pick positives that could shine the light ahead– they remained in the game despite being on a difficult turf. “I think it speaks to the level of effort and maturity that this team has and the level of progress we’re seeing moving forward,” he says.
The Sky next face the Washington Mystics in another road game, and hopefully this time, Reese’s efforts see some results.
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