The Chicago Sky’s season took another dramatic twist when Angel Reese refused to play in the second half after already serving a disciplinary suspension that kept her sidelined during the first half.

Officially, the Sky listed Reese’s absence as being tied to a “back injury,” but insiders suggest the situation may be far more complicated, raising questions about her relationship with the organization, the coaching staff, and even her long-term role on the team.

Reese’s benching began when she was reportedly suspended for the first half of the game due to internal disciplinary reasons. This alone caused a stir among fans, who have grown accustomed to the former LSU star making headlines both on and off the court.

But the real shock came after halftime, when it was expected Reese would check in and help the Sky mount a comeback. Instead, she declined to play at all, citing back discomfort. Cameras caught her on the bench draped in warmups, rarely interacting with teammates, her expression stone-cold as the Sky struggled without her presence.

Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon’s frustration was visible throughout the night. Known for her fiery energy and demand for effort, she appeared to plead with Reese’s camp during the third quarter before ultimately giving up and rolling with a shortened rotation.

Postgame, Weatherspoon avoided directly criticizing her young forward, but her clipped comments—“We play with who wants to play”—spoke volumes. Sources inside the locker room say the coach is deeply unhappy with how Reese handled the situation, feeling she put herself above the team in a critical moment.

Fans were quick to take sides online. Supporters defended Reese, pointing out that back injuries can flare unexpectedly and that players should never be forced onto the court if they don’t feel physically capable.

Critics, however, accused her of using the injury as a shield to cover deeper issues with her suspension and deteriorating relationship with the Sky. The split reaction mirrors a season-long pattern: Reese has become one of the most polarizing figures in the WNBA, simultaneously driving viewership and sparking endless debates about professionalism and maturity.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Chicago. Locked in a tight playoff race, every game matters, and losing a key player in such controversial fashion could derail the team’s momentum.

Teammates were reportedly frustrated, with some questioning Reese’s commitment privately, though no one went on record to criticize her publicly. The visible lack of unity on the bench told its own story—players avoiding eye contact, huddles looking fractured, and the energy flat without their star’s buy-in.

Reese’s future with the organization now feels clouded. This isn’t the first time she’s clashed with expectations, and while her star power brings undeniable value, the Sky must weigh whether the off-court drama is worth the disruption. A potential rift with Weatherspoon—who was brought in to restore discipline and culture—could make things untenable if neither side is willing to bend.

For Reese, this incident could have long-term consequences beyond Chicago. Around the league, front offices are surely watching closely. Talent speaks loud in the WNBA, but so does professionalism, especially in a league where locker-room harmony is often considered as important as star power.

If Reese becomes perceived as a “difficult” player, it could impact endorsements, future contracts, and even her ability to build a legacy on par with the greats she’s often compared to.

Still, there is another angle: Reese is just 22, adjusting to professional expectations after a whirlwind college career that turned her into a household name. The transition into the WNBA is notoriously tough, and the spotlight on her is harsher than almost anyone else in her draft class.

Some analysts argue the Sky need to better support her emotionally and physically, rather than repeatedly punishing her in ways that create public spectacle.

Ultimately, Angel Reese refusing to play the second half after serving a first-half suspension adds another explosive chapter to what has already been one of the most dramatic rookie seasons in league history.

Whether this is remembered as a growing pain or the beginning of a deeper split depends on how both Reese and the Sky respond in the days ahead. For now, the spotlight burns brighter than ever, and the pressure on both sides to address the growing tension is impossible to ignore.