"Playoffs next year" - Angel Reese makes bold claim following Sky rookie's WNBA playoff miss

Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky missed the 2024 WNBA playoffs after being eighth in the standings. The Atlanta Dream made a late surge to snatch that spot, sending the Sky home earlier than some fans expected and earning the right to face the New York Liberty in the first round of the postseason.

Like many fans, Reese is watching the Dream take on the Liberty at Barclays Center on Sunday. But while viewing the game, the talented rookie sent a clear message about the Sky's expectations for the 2025 season on Instagram.

"we will make the playoffs next year!! 🙏🏼😇," she captioned the post.

@angelreese5 - Instagram story

After winning 18 games in 2023, the Chicago Sky posted a worse record (13-27) this season, missing out on a return to the WNBA postseason. They went through a major roster overhaul after losing Kahleah Copper, Courtney Williams and more, which left many voids on the roster that they couldn't replace.

Angel Reese and company struggled down the stretch, eventually losing the final playoff berth to the Atlanta Dream.

Atlanta (15-25) finished the regular season on a three-game winning streak that included a 76-73 overtime win over the ninth-place Washington Mystics (14-26) a week ago and an 86-70 win over Chicago on Tuesday.

The Sky lost 12 of 14 games to close out the season. That included losses in all of their final six games. Reese missed Chicago's final seven games with a left wrist injury that required surgery.

Reese started her WNBA career on a strong note, averaging 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game in 34 matches.

Angel Reese got an MVP vote after remarkable rookie season

Angel Reese drew a lot of attention from the moment she set foot on a WNBA court until her season was cut short due to the wrist injury. She won Rookie of the Month honors for June and broke several records, including the most consecutive double-doubles in a season while trying to lead the Sky to the playoffs.

Reese's season turned a lot of heads, so much so that she received a fourth-place MVP vote. The voting resulted in A'ja Wilson winning the award unanimously, landing all 67 first-place votes.

Caitlin Clark finished fourth behind Wilson, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, respectively.

The Sky have some issues to address this offseason. They drafted Marina Mabrey and lost a solid scoring option. Chennedy Carter became their best player, but it felt like they missed a playmaker and another scorer at times.

Reese's offense can improve, and if she starts unlocking her potential, the Sky could be in for many years of competitiveness.