"Our Achilles heel" - Ex-Chicago Sky players point out key factor Angel Reese and co. are struggling with

On Thursday, Marina Mabrey took a shot at Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, the team that traded her ahead of the All-Star break in July. The veteran guard was one of the best players on the team during the first half of the 2024 WNBA season until she requested a trade that sent her to the championship contenders Connecticut Sun.

Speaking on the differences between the Sun and her past teams in the league, Mabrey said this is the first time she has been part of an organization aiming to win a championship.

“Being a part of a team like this that is so disciplined with a championship mindset, I haven’t been a part of that yet,” Mabrey said via the Chicago Sun-Times.

Sky forward Michaela Onyenwere identified another factor that has been holding her team back this season.

"The 3-point line has been our Achilles heel," Onyenwere said. "Especially last game. As guards, we talked about how we have to make shots. We're putting a lot of pressure on our bigs to do a lot. We have to be able to be confident and make those shots."

After the 2021 WNBA championship, the Sky haven't been able to return to the Finals. Candace Parker's retirement didn't do them any favors either but they now have an exciting project with Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and unsung hero Chennedy Parker trying to build something at Wintrust Arena.

As for Mabrey, she's in a privileged position after being traded to Connecticut. The Sun have one of the best records in the WNBA (20-7) and look like strong candidates to make a deep playoff run this season.

Adding Marina Mabrey to the likes of Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Brionna Jones and DiJonai Carrington can be major for the Sun, although they are still trying to get used to playing with each other.

Angel Reese, Marina Mabrey starred in hilarious moment with WNBA reporter

Back in July before the trade to the Sun was completed, Angel Reese, Marina Mabrey and Teresa Weatherspoon became part of a viral moment with one reporter.

During the postgame conference following the Sky's 84-71 loss to the Seattle Storm, a reporter forgot to mute his microphone while talking to Reese and Mabrey, which shocked them and made them laugh after a private conversation happened in the middle of the interview.

Mabrey will face Reese and the Sky for the first time after the trade on Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena.