The Chicago Sky's season opener against the Indiana Fever was a harsh introduction for first-year head coach Tyler Marsh, culminating in a 93-58 defeat. While the box score highlighted the Sky's offensive struggles, shooting a dismal 29.1% from the field, Marsh pointed to a different area as a critical misstep: failing to adequately prepare Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso to play effectively on different areas of the floor.
Marsh acknowledged that getting Reese and Cardoso comfortable playing in different areas of the court is a huge priority. He highlighted the adjustments the team is working on, such as putting Reese on the perimeter and bringing the ball up in transition. He said that this is all new for the team, so getting used to the new style of play will take some time.
Despite Reese's double-double performance of 12 points and 17 rebounds, the Sky's offense sputtered, and the Fever capitalized, led by Caitlin Clark's triple-double. Marsh, while acknowledging the team's poor shooting and high turnover rate, emphasized the need for versatility. According to reports prior to the game, Marsh wants Reese to add more "versatility" to her shot selection by hitting midrange jumpers, 10-15 feet from the basket. She's working on being able to shoot off the dribble and when the play call is for a catch-and-shoot. Reese stated that learning the new offense is a "transition" for her in training camp, but she believes she'll be able to learn the new skillset easily.
The Sky's struggles also extended beyond Reese. New additions Courtney Vandersloot and Kia Nurse had a quiet night, which further dampened the team's offensive firepower. Marsh also cited Indiana's ball pressure as a factor that took the Sky out of what they wanted to do.
Despite the lopsided loss, Marsh remained optimistic, stating, "This game will not define our season. I can promise you that." He emphasized the need to learn from the mistakes and move forward, focusing on their next opponent, the New York Liberty. He stressed the importance of the team sticking together and supporting each other through the season.
Adding intrigue to the situation, Marsh's decision to not play rookie Hailey Van Lith in the first half drew criticism from fans. Van Lith, who played with Reese at LSU, was expected by many to have earned a spot in the rotation.
Despite the opening-game setback, Marsh made a bold statement about the Indiana Fever, who are touted as one of the league favorites. He is quoted as saying, "This game will not define our season," suggesting that the Sky are not intimidated and are focused on their long-term goals, even with the presence of stars like Caitlin Clark on the opposing team. This is particularly notable given that Clark received a flagrant foul after a hard foul on Reese, which led to some minor tensions. Although, Reese brushed off the incident after the game.
The Sky's coach is clearly banking on his ability to integrate new players, refine Reese's offensive game, and instill a resilient mindset within the team. The focus on Reese's versatility and the team's overall chemistry suggests a long-term vision that extends far beyond one disappointing defeat.
