Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh provides injury update on Angel Reese as team breaks losing streak

The Chicago Sky broke their eight-game losing streak with a solid 78-64 win over the Washington Mystics on Tuesday (Aug. 5) night. It was the first win of the season without Angel Reese on the roster, which is good news for the team, as Tyler Marsh confirmed that the forward won’t be coming back soon.

“There isn’t a concrete timetable. To the extent that I know, it’s a back injury and she continues to be day to day,” Marsh told the media ahead of the game against the Mystics. “I mentioned earlier that she wasn’t here for shootaround due to an illness. I think she’s progressing, but it’s still kind of wait and see.”

The last time Reese played was in a 103-86 loss to the Mystics on Tuesday, July 29. Despite feeling discomfort, she posted 22 points and 13 rebounds in 32 minutes played. However, she admitted that she needed to find “her groove back” after the match.

Tuesday’s game was the third straight missed contest for Reese, and the sixth in general. Her absence has been a blow for the Sky, who had lost all their games without the forward until now.

Reese is averaging 14.2 points on 44.4% shooting with 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.7 blocks per game in 23 games (23 starts). Meanwhile, the Sky have now a 8-21 record with 15 games left. The chances of clinching the playoff are very slim, but they still have a shot.

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Without Reese, Elizabeth Williams led the team

In that sense, Elizabeth Williams played a key role in Chicago’s much-needed victory, stepping up in a big way after a recent shift in the lineup. Having come off the bench in their previous loss to the Phoenix Mercury, the former All-Star returned to the starting five against the Mystics, replacing Rebecca Allen.

The move paid off for interim head coach Tyler Marsh, as Williams delivered a standout performance. She finished with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, adding 10 rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Following the win, Marsh praised Williams’ match. “She’s really set the tone from an energy standpoint,” Marsh said, per reporter Karli Bell. “She’s picked up what we’ve missed with Angel being out. Liz is just a savvy vet.” With Reese still sidelined, Williams has made a strong case to remain in the starting lineup.