“It’s always been both—basketball and fashion,” Angel Reese shared with Maya Singer of Vogue magazine back in January this year. And yes, we’ve seen it. When she’s not hitting double-doubles and etching history, the Chi-Town Barbie is posing for the camera in bold looks. She has revealed she has 40 outfits sorted even before the season opener takes off. So whether she’s on the runway or walking into the arena, you know Reese puts in more than a minimal effort. If that’s the Sky forward, her tunnel walk against Washington was telling a story.

As the Sky geared up to face the Mystics, all eyes were on the two-time All-Star who had missed two consecutive games due to a nagging back injury. But even before tip-off, it wasn’t her play that drew attention—it was her walk through the tunnel.

No bold outfit. No camera-ready confidence. Instead of her usual glam, she showed up in a simple oversized blue hoodie paired with shorts and black slippers. But what made the moment truly unexpected? Reese, who frequently experiments with local hairstyles—and has even gone half-blonde—was seen covering her head. She didn’t stop for pictures. In fact, she kept hiding from the camera, avoiding so much as an eye contact.

And that’s exactly what made it unusual. Fashion has always been a part of Reese’s story. As she once recalled, “I was always in my mom’s closet, putting on her stuff. I liked to carry a purse… Hair done. I wanted to look put together. I still do.” And, that passion didn’t start with the WNBA.

Long before she stepped into pregame tunnels, she was practicing her runway walk in her living room while watching America’s Next Top Model with Tyra Banks. Even at LSU, where she earned the nickname “Bayou Barbie,” she transformed the pregame tunnel walk into a personal fashion show.

It was more than a statement—it was a business move because those signature appearances helped her land a deal with Revolve, featuring curated tunnel-walk ensembles from designers like Alexander Wang and Chanel. So, you know how fashion and basketball have always been inseparable parts of her identity—tools she uses to make history.

She became the first WNBA player on the cover of Vogue, attended elite events like the Met Gala, the CFDA Awards, and Victoria’s Secret comeback show. So when someone like her skips media appearances and dials down her tunnel look? That’s huge. So…

Is Angel Reese worried about injury or the game vs the Mystics?

Well, while there’s been no official update about Reese’s mental health struggles lately, managing injuries is no small deal—especially when you’re forced to miss two games due to a back issue right as your double-double streak was regaining momentum. To make matters worse, both games resulted in losses, leaving the Sky sitting at 12–13.

Now, according to assistant coach Tyler Marsh, Reese has been cleared to make her much-awaited return. But there’s a bigger task ahead. Despite being cleared, she’s expected to be on some form of minutes restriction. For a sophomore averaging 31.6 minutes per game, it’s likely she’ll play fewer minutes Tuesday night as she works her way back into the lineup.

But is that all? Not quite. Before her injury, Reese was just one technical foul away from a league suspension under the revised rules—meaning even minor slip-ups could sideline her. The added pressure and repeated confrontations—paired with the media backlash she often receives—might be pushing her to avoid press situations and flashy entrances altogether.