The Chicago Sky improved to 4-5 after their comeback victory over the Washington Mystics on Thursday. Star rookie forward Angel Reese had another standout night with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals. However, one of Reese's frontcourt running mates had an equally inspiring performance. Isabelle Harrison had a breakout night amid her progressive return from injury, and Reese revealed the motivation she gave the veteran early in the season.

Angel Reese supplies steady motivation to Sky teammates

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) celebrates with guard Lindsay Allen (15) in the fourth quarter against the New York Liberty, Isabelle Harrison in the background
© Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago was down by as many as 13 against the Mystics, but they put forth an admirable third-quarter effort to close the gap and remain on top. Angel Reese attributed much of the team's comeback to their bench, which prompted her to reveal her motivating message to Harrison.

“Being able to have [Isabelle Harrison] come back and watching her rehab every day…just being able to see her work hard [is inspiring]. And I told her, ‘Remind people who you are. I haven't forgotten who you are. I watched you when I was in college and being able to watch you at Tennessee'…I love a comeback story because they're never easy,” Reese revealed during Thursday's post-game press conference.

Isabelle Harrison had surgery to repair a left meniscus injury in May of 2023 and has been rehabbing ever since. The seventh-year forward progressed well and earned valuable minutes for the Sky early in the 2024 season. Harrison had her best performance of the season against the Mystics, notching 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon spoke highly of Harrison's impact, noting the energy she gave the Sky to help them regain momentum.

“When her name was called, she came in and gave us the energy, sparked us offensively. She was aggressive and continued rebounding the ball. So all those things we needed at the time, she gave us the energy to get us going. And as she continues to rehab, she continues to be stronger. [Harrison] is going to help us be a better basketball team,” Weatherspoon said.

Chicago's inspiring stories fuel their play 

In addition to Isabelle Harrison. Angel Reese noted several other players making inspiring comebacks. She especially praised Chennedy Carter's offensive ascent after she spent 2023 overseas playing in China and Turkey. Furthermore, Diamond DeShields has had a promising start to the season as well. DeShields overcame a tumor removal and a knee injury and has become a starter for Chicago in 2024. Finally, Kysre Gondrezick earned a 2024 roster spot after nearly a three-year hiatus from the WNBA.

“Our team has so many stories with us, and I think we carry that on our shoulders and come out every day and fight. I know it takes us some time in the first half to get going, but I think we come together at the right time,” Reese said. “I'm super proud of our girls. I think everybody is coming together and knowing when their name is called, [they can make an impact].”

Chicago wants to continue its inspiring team play to climb the Eastern Conference standings. If they keep building chemistry and maintain their high-level motivation, the sky is the limit.