Angel Reese’s Sophomore Slump: Struggles Around the Rim Raise Questions, But Chicago Sky Still Have Hope

The rebounding machine is still dominant on the glass, but her historically poor scoring efficiency is slowing down her development as a go-to WNBA scorer.

By Group Chat Sports Staff

Angel Reese entered her second WNBA season with momentum and major expectations. After a strong rookie year and a dominant showing in the offseason’s Unrivaled tournament, many anticipated a breakout campaign for the Chicago Sky forward. But through the first stretch of 2025, the numbers tell a different story—one that highlights a clear and frustrating sophomore slump.

Scoring Struggles at Historic Levels

Reese has never been known as an elite scorer, but her finishing around the rim this season has reached historically poor levels. She’s currently shooting just 31.1% from the field, and more concerning is her 31.8% conversion rate in the restricted area, despite attempting a league-high 7.3 shots per game from that zone.

That combination of volume and inefficiency makes her start one of the worst in league history when it comes to finishing around the basket. For a player who lives in the paint, that’s a big red flag.

What’s Going Wrong?

There are some clear technical issues plaguing her game. Reese often brings the ball low before going up, making it easier for defenders to block her shot—something that’s happened 18 times already, more than any player in the WNBA. Add to that her low release point, awkward footwork, and tendency to take extra dribbles instead of passing out of double teams, and you’ve got a recipe for inefficient possessions.

Despite offseason work with WNBA legend Lisa Leslie and a promising showing in exhibition play, Reese hasn’t yet adjusted to the size and speed of pro-level rim protectors.

The Positives: Rebounding & Defense Still Shine

While the scoring has dipped, not all is bleak. Reese remains one of the league’s best rebounders, currently leading the WNBA with 12.3 rebounds per game. She’s also making a strong defensive impact, averaging 1.8 steals per game and showing an improved ability to switch onto perimeter players.

The Sky are also thriving in offensive rebounding, leading the league in second-chance opportunities—a department heavily powered by Reese’s relentless energy on the glass.

Chicago Still Has Her Back

Head coach Tyler Marsh and general manager Jeff Pagliocca aren’t panicking. Both have voiced confidence in Reese’s long-term growth and are committed to helping her develop into a consistent two-way force.

“We believe in her ability to adjust,” Marsh said. “She’s doing so many things well. We’re working every day to help her find better looks and get comfortable making decisions in the paint.”

What Comes Next

Angel Reese is too talented—and too tough—to stay in this funk forever. But as her usage rate climbs, so does the pressure to produce efficiently. The Sky are giving her the reps, the freedom, and the patience. Now it’s on her to tweak the finishing, trust the pass, and continue doing the dirty work that’s made her a household name.

The sophomore slump is real—but the bounce-back potential is even more real.