Angel Reese’s Shocking Benching: The Collapse of a Franchise and a Career at a Crossroads

In a moment that will surely go down as one of the most defining moments of the 2025 WNBA season, Angel Reese was benched during a blowout loss to the Phoenix Mercury, and it wasn’t just a typical substitution. The decision, made in the middle of the third quarter, not only marked a personal setback for Reese, but it also symbolized the collapse of the Chicago Sky—and possibly the unraveling of a young superstar’s career.

As the final minutes of the game ticked away, Reese, one of the league’s most talked-about players, remained on the bench, arms folded, barely moving while the game slipped out of her team’s grasp. Despite having been the face of the franchise for the past season, Reese’s absence was the most glaring element in a devastating defeat. What was originally thought to be a strategic move by Coach Tyler Marsh soon became the catalyst for deeper issues that are now threatening both Reese’s career and the future of the Chicago Sky.

The Bench Decision: A Message or a Misstep?

It all started innocently enough, with the Phoenix Mercury opening a 25-point lead over the Chicago Sky midway through the third quarter. Despite some flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, the Sky’s defense had been porous, and Phoenix’s three-point shooting had reached an almost uncontrollable level. With Caitlin Clark sidelined and Marina Mabrey struggling, it seemed like the team was in desperate need of a spark.

Enter Coach Tyler Marsh, who made the unexpected and controversial decision to pull Angel Reese—and Camila Cardoso—off the court, despite Reese’s earlier contributions. After just 17 minutes of play, Reese was replaced by five bench players who were thrown in to salvage a game that was spiraling out of control.

The lack of communication and the abrupt substitution left fans stunned, with many questioning whether Marsh was sending a message to his star player—or whether it was a catalyst for a larger internal problem. The frustration was palpable, but the most disturbing aspect was the silence that surrounded the decision.

Reese’s personal response to the situation was also telling. After the game, she said, “I come to work every day. I don’t complain. I know I haven’t been playing well, but I trust my teammates. I know we’ll turn it around.” But her stats from the game painted a different story: only 1 shot attempt, 2 rebounds, and no impact on the court. Reese, known for her fiery personality and dominating presence, had not just struggled—she had become invisible.

Tensions and Friction Beneath the Surface

It wasn’t just the benching that caused controversy—it was the tensions brewing within the team. Insiders suggest that Reese’s quiet demeanor during practice, her lack of engagement in film study sessions, and her struggles to assert herself on the court are symptoms of something far deeper than a single loss.

One source close to the team noted, “She’s not checked out, but she’s lost her edge.” For someone who had once been the undisputed face of the franchise, this sudden shift in confidence is unsettling.

Further complicating the dynamic is the growing friction between Reese and Cardoso. Cardoso, who had been performing well despite her recent recovery from an injury, was also benched after scoring 17 points. Sources report that the tension between the two reached a boiling point earlier in the week during a film review when Cardoso pointed out a missed box-out by Reese, and the moment was described as “icy.”

The growing tension between the two young stars and the apparent rift within the team has cast a long shadow over the Chicago Sky’s season. Reese’s struggle to connect with her teammates and her growing isolation on the court is an alarming sign that the Sky may be on the verge of a collapse.

Marsh’s Growing Struggles: Can He Save the Team?

Coach Tyler Marsh, brought in from the Las Vegas Aces, was tasked with creating structure, accountability, and development for the Sky. Yet his handling of the team’s internal issues has led to further questions about his ability to lead.

Marsh’s benching decisions have been widely criticized, especially when he pulled three starters—including Reese and Cardoso—early in the game against New York after a disastrous third quarter.

One former player close to the team expressed frustration: “We can’t keep beating ourselves. There’s a lot of talent here, but we have no direction. We need someone to light a fire under us, not make us feel invisible.“

Despite his past success with the Aces, Marsh now faces intense pressure to prove that his methods can translate to a team struggling with morale. The question remains: Can he get the team back on track, or is his leadership causing further damage?

The WNBA at a Crossroads: The Rise and Fall of Star Players

The stakes for the WNBA have never been higher. Caitlin Clark’s rise to superstardom has redefined the league, but players like Angel Reese—who was once supposed to be her counterpart in the battle for league supremacy—are now fighting against the narrative that is rapidly shifting away from them.

In the case of Angel Reese, her growing frustration with her situation in Chicago isn’t just about being left off the All-Star roster. It’s a deeper issue about expectations vs. reality. The sky-high expectations placed on her from day one have now started to feel like a burden, one that she may not be able to carry alone.

The Way Forward: Can Angel Reese Turn It Around?

What happens next for Angel Reese is uncertain. The WNBA, and particularly the Chicago Sky, need their star player to step up and take control of the narrative. Reese’s future in the league—and possibly the Sky’s future as a contender—depends on how well she can bounce back from this personal and professional crisis.

In the coming weeks, the focus will be on whether Reese can regain her confidence, whether Marina Mabrey can rise as a leader, and whether Coach Marsh can turn this turbulent season around. The WNBA is at a crossroads, and the outcome of these internal struggles could reshape the league’s trajectory.

For Angel Reese, the question remains: Can she rediscover her edge and lead the Sky, or will she fade from the spotlight she once owned? Only time will tell.