Angel Reese wasted no time transitioning from the glitz and glamour of the Met Gala back to the hardwood, helping the Chicago Sky dismantle the New York Liberty – a formidable opponent that reached the finals last season.

Under the guidance of coach Teresa Weatherspoon, the Sky exhibited a relentless offensive onslaught, initiating the game with a commanding 13-0 lead before winning 101-51. While Reese wasn’t the primary focus of the Sky’s offensive strategy, her unparalleled tenacity shone through, as she provided 13 points, five rebounds, two steals and one assist.

Demonstrating her hustle on the court, Reese secured her spot on the scoresheet by capitalizing on opportunities near the basket, often contending against the formidable defense of former league MVP Jonquel Jones. With a display of strength, balance, and aggression, Reese contributed significantly to the Sky’s dominance, propelling them to a commanding 20-point lead by halftime.

A standout moment unfolded in the third quarter of the game when Reese received the ball on the low block, confidently scoring over Jones and celebrating the accomplishment. Following this play, she swiftly secured a steal on the subsequent possession and delivered an outlet pass for an easy layup on the other end, extending their lead to 65-36. This sequence of events ignited optimism among Sky fans for the upcoming season.

Just a day before the big win, Reese fulfilled a lifelong dream by attending the Met Gala and basking in her newfound superstardom. The star-studded affair placed Reese alongside Hollywood’s elite, with luminaries like Kim Kardashian, Lewis Hamilton, Zendaya, and others gracing the red carpet.

Reese impressed the media in attendance in a blue sheer 16Arlington gown. Reflecting on her attendance, she revealed that walking the Met Gala’s red carpet was a dream, just like playing in the WNBA. “I’m just excited to see everyone’s outfit. Everyone looks amazing here. I’ve always dreamed of this moment, so being here on my 22nd birthday is amazing,” said Reese. But her attendance also drew scrutiny from her detractors online.

Reese scored 13 against the Liberty© WNBA

Amidst the Sky’s training camp and preseason, Reese’s decision to attend the Met Gala was not taken lightly. She immediately addressed any concerns, asserting her commitment to maximizing every moment of the day on and off the court on X.

Images soon surfaced of Reese commemorating her 22nd birthday during team practice earlier that day, effectively debunking doubts about her dedication. In response to her appearance at the star-studded affair, Reese emphasized the intersection between the WNBA and fashion. “A lot of us got drip,” said Reese. “We can dress; we have fashion on and off the court. We love to look good, a lot of us in the league.

“A lot of these women have deserved this [new level of fame] before, and I’ve watched players like Lisa Leslie. That’s somebody I’ve always looked at where she always had her hair done and lips on. I’ve always embodied that, so just being able to continue that and allow that to grow is really cool.”

She highlighted how the league prioritizes fashion, particularly in pre-game rituals where outfits take center stage. With media and fellow players closely observing the pre-game tunnel, Reese’s presence at the Met Gala was a testament to the WNBA’s growing influence in fashion and entertainment.

The Sky’s preseason journey has been a mix of outcomes, starting with a loss to the Minnesota Lynx in their first matchup of the year. The victory against New York brought their preseason record to an even 1-1. Chicago will gear up for their first regular-season game on May 15 against the Dallas Wings in an away game.