Napheesa Collier Dominates Angel Reese: A Preseason Reality Check for the Chicago Sky Star

The WNBA preseason matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and the Chicago Sky on May 10th delivered a powerful message to fans and critics alike: Individual stats mean little when facing a team determined to win. The spotlight was on Angel Reese, the self-proclaimed rebounding machine and social media sensation, but it was Napheesa Collier who stole the show, systematically dismantling both Reese’s game and the Sky’s strategy.

Collier’s Masterclass: Efficiency and Leadership

Napheesa Collier put on a clinic, scoring 26 points on an impressive 8-of-13 shooting, adding five rebounds, a steal, and a block in just under 26 minutes. Her performance was a testament to her status as an MVP candidate and a leader for the Lynx. Collier’s approach was methodical—she established position early, used her body effectively to box out Reese, and showcased superior basketball IQ and defensive discipline. Every possession highlighted the difference between a player focused on team success and one chasing individual accolades.

Angel Reese’s Struggles: When Social Media Fame Meets On-Court Reality

Angel Reese entered the game with confidence, having built her reputation as a dominant rebounder and a charismatic figure off the court. However, against Collier and the disciplined Lynx defense, Reese’s limitations were exposed. She managed just three rebounds and 10 points in 25 minutes—a far cry from her usual double-double performances. The Lynx’s defensive scheme took away her second-chance opportunities, forcing her into uncomfortable positions and off-balance shots.

Reese’s shooting woes were evident: 2-of-8 from the field, including 0-for-1 from three-point range. Her only notable contribution came at the free-throw line, where she converted six of eight attempts. Without her trademark putbacks and rebounding dominance, Reese’s offensive impact was minimal. The game footage revealed Collier’s defensive mastery, denying Reese post position and forcing her further from the basket. Each attempted entry pass was contested, and when Reese did get the ball, she struggled to create quality shots.

Team Basketball vs. Stat Padding: The WNBA’s New Narrative

The game was more than just a preseason matchup; it was a blueprint for how to neutralize players who prioritize personal stats over team success. The Lynx’s team defense swarmed Reese whenever she touched the ball, forcing turnovers and difficult shots. Chicago’s offensive sets looked disjointed, with possessions ending in forced isolations or contested attempts rather than quality looks for teammates.

This narrative isn’t new for Reese. Last season, she posted impressive rebounding numbers, averaging 13.1 boards per game, but the Sky finished with a disappointing 13-27 record, missing the playoffs. Critics have often accused Reese of “stat padding”—focusing on personal achievements at the expense of team cohesion and winning. The contrast with Collier, who consistently elevates her teammates and prioritizes winning, was stark.

The Social Media Paradox: Fame vs. Fan Engagement

Angel Reese has millions of followers and generates significant buzz online with her outspoken personality and viral moments. However, the real test of a sports star’s impact is ticket sales and fan engagement in arenas. The numbers tell a different story than her social media presence suggests. Reese’s highly anticipated homecoming at LSU drew just 6,300 fans in a 13,000-seat arena, and her preseason game in Chicago attracted only 4,600 spectators. Even on the road in Minnesota, attendance peaked at 7,600.

In sharp contrast, Caitlin Clark’s preseason games for the Indiana Fever have sold out in minutes and drawn national TV audiences exceeding 1.3 million viewers—outperforming all but two NBA preseason games aired on ESPN since 2010. Clark’s ability to fill arenas and drive league growth highlights the difference between digital fame and real-world marketability.

Coaching Changes and Locker Room Dynamics

The Sky’s disappointing season led to the firing of head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one year. Despite bringing in a WNBA legend to build a winning culture, the team’s focus on individual development and stat chasing created friction in the locker room. Players voiced frustrations about communication breakdowns and an offense that seemed designed to showcase certain individuals rather than foster teamwork.

Reese’s close relationship with Weatherspoon was evident in her reaction to the firing, but the decision underscored the organization’s desire for structure, accountability, and a championship mindset. New head coach Tyler Marsh aims to maximize Reese’s strengths by positioning her away from crowded areas under the basket, giving her opportunities to create off the dribble and improve her shooting range. This strategic shift is designed to help Reese become a more efficient and versatile player, but it also means her traditional rebounding numbers may decline.

The Road Ahead: Adapt or Fall Behind

The upcoming WNBA season opener between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, featuring Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, is set to be a defining moment. The contrast in playing styles and approaches to the game will be on full display. For Reese, the challenge is clear: Evolve beyond stat padding and embrace team basketball, or risk falling further behind stars like Collier and Clark.

The WNBA is evolving, with a new generation of players and fans demanding substance over style. Winning, not individual accolades, is the ultimate measure of greatness. Reese’s journey from social media sensation to true basketball star will depend on her ability to adapt, improve her efficiency, and contribute to team success. The empty seats at her games are a reminder that followers and likes don’t translate into victories or lasting legacy.

As the season begins, all eyes will be on Angel Reese. Will she rise to the occasion and prove her doubters wrong, or will the gap between her and the league’s elite continue to widen? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: The WNBA’s future belongs to those who put the team first.