Sky HC Tyler Marsh Explains Why Skylar Diggins Was Benched

What Happened Skylar Diggins didn't hide her frustration. After learning she'd been moved to the bench, the veteran Chicago Sky guard posted on Instagram: "Now I'm coming off the bench?????? Cool." Not exactly subtle — and it put head coach Tyler Marsh on the spot heading into Chicago's matchup with the Phoenix Mercury.

Marsh initially dodged questions on the move, but he addressed it directly in his pre-game press conference. "It's something that we — or that I — felt was necessary for now," he said. "We'll see what it looks like moving forward. I think that when you're trying to find some rhythm, you got to make some adjustments at times somewhere. And that comes with making some tough decisions at times."

Why the Move Now Marsh made clear this wasn't a knock on Diggins' effort or preparation. "Sky's been a high-volume, minute player for us all year with huge impact," he said. "The level of preparation that she puts into her body and into the work ethic that she brings, it can't go understated. She continues to be a big part of who we are and what we do."

That's coach-speak for: this is about the team, not a demotion in value. Chicago has been searching for rhythm all season, and shaking up the starting five is often the first lever a struggling team pulls.

The Numbers Behind the Decision Here's the wrinkle — Diggins' individual stats have actually been strong. Through 19 games, she's averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per contest. Solid, all-around production for a veteran guard.

But individual numbers haven't translated to team success. With Diggins in the starting lineup, the Sky have managed just six wins all season. That win-loss gap is likely the real driver behind Marsh's decision, even if he framed it as a broader rhythm adjustment rather than a direct response to her production.

The Injury Wrinkle Adding another layer to the story, Sky PR later downgraded Diggins to OUT for the Mercury game due to a right knee injury — meaning the benching conversation and her health status are now tangled together heading into the next stretch of games.

What's Next Marsh left the door open, saying they'll "see what it looks like moving forward," which suggests this isn't necessarily a permanent bench role. But with Diggins now sidelined by injury on top of the demotion, all eyes will be on how Chicago handles her return — and whether the starting job is still hers to reclaim once she's healthy.