Angel Reese Ignores Tribute Video and Standing Ovation From Sky Fans on 1st Return to Chicago

Superstar Angel Reese returned to Chicago for a preseason game after her blockbuster trade to the Atlanta Dream this offseason.

Angel Reese Ignores Tribute Video and Standing Ovation From Sky Fans on 1st Return to Chicago

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Angel Reese received a tribute video and standing ovation from Chicago Sky fans during her first return to the team since being traded.
  • She did not acknowledge the tribute or the fans, focusing instead on conversing with her new teammates.
  • In the game, Reese contributed eight points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals in just 13 minutes, leading the Atlanta Dream to victory.

When the Chicago Sky traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, they knew that they were losing their best player. But the situation she created in her last few days with the franchise complicated matters and seemingly forced their hand.

The 23-year-old was frustrated with the constant losing and publicly criticized both the organization and her teammates. Eventually, she apologized, but it seems the situation was already out of hand.

However, GM Jeff Pagliocca did a good job assembling a roster that should see them finish with at least a better record than last campaign. This is what Angel Reese had wanted all along, and it was surprising that everything came about after she left.

Maybe that, and her lingering angst towards the Sky, continues. She returned to Wintrust Arena for the first time since the trade, and was welcomed with a tribute video midway through the first quarter.

Throughout the 50 seconds the video ran, the Maryland native did not look up once towards the Jumbotron. Then, after the video ended, the 6000-odd Chicago Sky fans present cheered and clapped for her.

They also stood up and gave her the ovation she deserved. But Reese continued to talk to her new teammates and never once acknowledged those fans who supported and cheered for her all throughout her time there.

Some might argue that she was busy listening to her coach and her teammates for instructions. But the video shows that she was casually chatting and joking with them. After all, this was the first quarter of a preseason game, where even some of her teammates were watching the video.

Angel Reese deflects questions about turmoil at the Sky

Since this was the first time Angel Reese returned to the Chicago Sky, the city’s media was out in full force before the game. During warmups, they gathered around the superstar forward to ask her about her past experience with the franchise.

I’m happy. I’m grateful for my time in Chicago, I experienced a lot of great things. I’m just excited to start this new journey… It feels awkward to be in a different locker room.

Angel Reese replied

Some of the reporters tried to ask her questions about how different it is from the Atlanta Dream, in comparison to the Sky. She simply continued to harp on that same tune about being grateful for her time here.

Another reporter asked what went wrong in those final few weeks with her former team. But again, Angel Reese did not respond and instead mentioned that she is moving on with her new chapter. From her answers, it was evident that she did not want to fan those narratives once again.

Angel Reese leads her Dream to a win over the Sky

Later, when the game tipped off, it was evident that Angel Reese was on a mission. She was attempting shots, drawing fouls, playmaking a little bit, and most importantly, grabbing rebounds.

Angel Reese battling against former teammate Kamilla Cardoso
Angel Reese battling against former teammate Kamilla Cardoso (Image via Ballislife/X)

She finished with a stat line of eight points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals. They might not seem like those of a superstar, but the Dream forward managed to register those numbers in just 13 minutes of action.

They were enough for her team to build a double-digit lead by halftime. That was enough for the second unit to maintain. Reese’s former college and Sky teammate Hailey Van Lith tried to stage a comeback in the second half.

However, it was a little too late as the Dream’s reserves managed to hold their ground long enough to register a win. This may just be a preseason game, which is why the drama was not as evident for all to see.

Angel Reese will return to face her former team on June 9th. That will be a true competitive battle, as the Sky will also feature their complete roster. There is a possibility of fireworks on that day.

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