Chicago lost again. It was their eighth consecutive defeat. The numbers are clear, the scoreboard too, but that wasn’t what caught the eyes at the Phoenix arena on Sunday. At the end of the game, there was a moment that didn’t fit into the statistics. One that came from the sidelines, not from the court.
Angel Reese didn’t play. A back injury has kept her out of four of the last five games; however, her presence still occupies space, even without a uniform. This time, it wasn’t because of a rebound or a phrase on social media. It was for something much simpler: a handshake that turned into a hug, a brief conversation with Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, and a smile amid an atmosphere that doesn’t offer many reasons to smile.
Under different circumstances, the gesture would have gone unnoticed. But in a season full of frustrations, injuries, and doubts, seeing Reese approach the center of the court to share with two Mercury leaders became an unexpected symbol. The Sky has had little room to celebrate, but at that moment there was something different. A sign of grit, emotional maturity, and belonging, even from the bench.
Beyond the scoreboard
Chicago has a painful record: 7-21. The coaching staff, led by Tyler Marsh, continues searching for answers in a campaign that hasn’t found its direction yet. Courtney Vandersloot’s injury, offensive inconsistency, and lack of depth have put the team on the ropes. Despite that, players like Rachel Banham and Kamilla Cardoso have shown glimpses of what could be a turnaround.
In the midst of it all, Reese persists. Not only does she lead the league in rebounds; she also became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds. She achieved it in just 38 games. But not even that record came with a win.
Sometimes challenging, sometimes controversial, but always present, Reese has taken on a role that goes beyond sports. This time, without strong words or declarations, she did it with a gesture. And on a team that needs more than points, that small display of humanity can also add up.
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