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When facing the Connecticut Sun, the team with the best record in the WNBA, the Chicago Sky’s main goal was to remain competitive. For much of the game, that was the case.
Through three quarters, the Sky stayed with the Sun, leading by a few points or behind by a few points but never relenting. They did so by not only displaying tenacious defense against a powerful offense, but also through some spacious offensive play that led to good looks in the paint and on the perimeter. Chicago also was competitive in the battle of the boards.
Yet when the fourth quarter rolled around, the tide turned dramatically as the Sun got off on a 10-3 run that gave them a 68-55 advantage at the 7:12 minute mark, the largest lead of the game. The Sky turned the ball over four times in the quarter as their offense began to look out of sync and, in turn, their transition defense struggled. The Sky managed to close the gap to four, 79-75, via a Diamond DeShields 3-pointer with 28 seconds left. But Chicago then was forced to foul, allowing DeWanna Bonner to ice the game for the Sun at the free throw line.
Despite the 83-75 loss, the Sky once again overperformed against a formidable opponent. Some notable Chicago performances included:
Angel Reese
Not only did she come away with her fourth-career double-double (20 points and 10 rebounds), Reese shot 80 percent from the field and was perfect at the foul line (4-for-4). More than that, Reese became the first rookie this season to notch 100 points and 100 rebounds. She also held her own against the veteran Alyssa Thomas at both ends.
Kamilla Cardoso
Freed from playing limited minutes and given the responsibility of taking over for injured Elizabeth Williams in the post position, Cardoso was not to be denied. She scored 10 points, grabbed nine boards and had three emphatic blocks against the likes of Bonner and DiJonai Carrington.
Cardoso was also perfect from the foul line (4-for-4). After the game, she spoke about how she understands the importance of foul shots, particularly when Connecticut took more shots at the line (28 to 5), but she emphasized that her main objective is to score inside. “It was really important to make them (free throws) as you can see they shot way more free throws than us,” she said. “But I feel like my main focus was to go out there and make layups.”
Marina Mabrey
Mabrey all over the floor, ending up as the playmaker who did a little bit of everything. She came away with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
Chennedy Carter
As always, Carter was full speed ahead coming off the bench. She was a major catalyst in sparking a Chicago 11-0 run in the first quarter when they were down 16-8. She would go on to finish with 10 points, three assists and three steals.
Diamond DeShields
The workhorse of the team who puts her body on the line had some big moments when the game was hanging in the balance. DeShields finished with a season high of nine points, shooting 50 percent from the field and 42 percent from the 3-point line, including the 3 that brought Chicago to the brink of a potential comeback in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter. She did all that while playing with an ankle issue. “Diamond is playing injured right now,” said head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. “We appreciate her being on the floor.”
Isabelle Harrison
Off the bench, Harrison was flawless—literally. She converted on every shot attempt (3-for-3) and finished with nine points, including a 3-pointer.
The Chicago Sky (4-7) will play the Washington Mystics (1-12) in DC on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET.