Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky won a close game against the Minnesota Lynx, 87-81. However, the victory was overshadowed by shocking news from the opposing team.
The 1.80-meter forward, Alissa Pili, was fired immediately after the defeat at Wintrust Arena.
The 24-year-old joined the team after being selected eighth overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Her height was something that raised doubts, but it did not prevent Pili from excelling even in her college days: she was named Pac-12 Rookie of the Year in 2020 and Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2023.
Despite this, she failed to stand out in the WNBA: she averaged only 6.3 minutes per game in her first year and 5.9 minutes in 14 games in her second year.
In total, Alissa averaged 2.2 points on 43.3% shooting and 1.2 rebounds per game in two seasons in Minnesota.
Fan reaction
The news quickly caused a stir after the team announced the news on X. “Thank you, Pili,” they wrote in their post. However, fans were in disbelief after such an unexpected announcement.
Some complained about her limited time on the court: “Maybe if you play her more you might have won,” said one fan. “Didn’t even get a real chance. She was a beast at Utah,” said another follower.
“Sad y’all waived her. I hope she goes to a great team,” said another. “Hope she finds a team that lets her play,” wished one user.
On the other hand, some fans already see her wearing other colors: “Connecticut Sun need to pick her up ASAP. They need another stretch 4 and she would be a great fit,” suggested one fan. “The Atlanta Dream need her she would be a big asset to a championship winning team,” proposed another. “Pili and Reese,” wrote one fan alongside an eye emoji.
The details of her dismissal
According to reports, the current league runners-up let her go right after the loss to Sky, in the middle of a road trip.
And that’s not all; they left her on her own: her access card to the hotel where the team was staying doesn’t work. Because of this, the young woman went straight to the airport to catch the next flight back to Minnesota.
Fortunately, Pili could sign as a free agent with any team that decides to add her to their roster if she meets the waiver requirements. However, this also leaves the door open for a new member to join the Lynx roster. Now, the Minnesota team will face the Chicago Sky again on July 14 at Wintrust Arena in search of revenge.
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