The WNBA will be tipping off on July 25th, but the first game for both the Aces and the Sky will be on the 26th. This first game will be a Redemption Match for the Chicago Sky. In their last meeting, the Sky lost to the Aces in the final seconds for the chance to go to the semi-finals. Let us take a look into last year’s teams and how they played. As well as look into how this game could play out.
Regular Season
Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky had a record of 20-14 during the 2019 season. This record put the Sky in third place in the Eastern Conference. The Sky was led by second-year player Diamond DeShields, averaging 16.2 PPG, 5.5 REB, and 2.4 AST. Joining DeShields on the court were veteran guards Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot. In the post, the Sky had Cheyenne Parker and Stephanie Dolson. This team had a strong team with those who started and a strong bench. This regular season, a huge improvement from the past season, led the Sky to qualify for the playoffs.
Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces had a record of 21-13 during the 2019 season. This record put the Aces in second place in the Western Conference. The Aces were led by second-year player A’ja Wilson, averaging 16.5 PPG, 1.7 BLK, and 6.5 REB. Joining Wilson in the post was Liz Cambage. The guards for the Aces were Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and Kayla McBride. This team had some new players, but also had key returners and players like Dearica Hamby, who was able to be an impact when coming off of the bench. This strong regular season, an improvement from the past season, led to qualifying for the playoffs.
First Round
The Las Vegas Aces had a bye straight to the quarter-finals, but the Chicago Sky had to fight their way to stay in the playoffs. The Chicago Sky were set to play the Phoenix Mercury in a single-elimination matchup. This motivated Sky team beat the Mercury by a score of 105-76. This team was led by DeShields with 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. This win helped the Sky advance to the quarter-finals.
Quarter-Finals
Now that the Sky advanced in the playoffs it was time to matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. The stage was set for another single-elimination game. This game would be a close matchup for both teams. Talented players such as DeShields, Quigley, Vandersloot, and Dolson against McBride, Wilson, Cambage, and Plum. These two teams both had similar playing styles. Both teams sought to get the ball to the post players, but at the same time rely on guard play.
This game was a close one the entirety of the game. At half time the Sky was up by a score of 51-45, but both teams still had 20 minutes to play. The Aces scored 31 points in the third quarter to bring the score to 76-75, with a one-point advantage.
The 4th quarter would be a battle for these teams. Both teams fought to the final seconds. Sixth Women of the Year, Dearica Hamby knew she had to do something to prevent the loss… and that’s what she did.
Hamby stole the pass out and took the ball into her court. She was unsure of how much time she had left, so she threw the ball in hopes of making the shot. But, she made the basket, but not only that but she made a three-point shot and was near the verge of being out of bounds. This shot was a game-winning shot for the Aces and helped them advance to the semi-finals. Now, the Sky will be matched up against the Aces once again for the Redemption Match.
Redemption Match: July 26th
The WNBA is set to tip-off in the Wubble on July 25th, but the Redemption Match is set for July 26th. Both of these teams arrived earlier this month to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. After following many protocols, practices, and media days, these teams will finally get to play the sport they love after much of a delay. Let us take a look into both team’s rosters and what they need to do to win.
Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky had a successful offseason in acquiring players. This team luckily did not lose anyone due to injury or anyone opting out. Through trade with the Dallas Wings they acquired Azura Stevens, coming on her third year, a post player from UCONN, in exchange for Stevens, the Sky traded Katie Lou Samuelson. Sydney Colson was also signed as an unrestricted free agent, but her playing status is still unknown.
During this year’s draft, the Sky acquired two rookies. These two rookies are Ruthy Hebard, a forward, from the University of Oregon, and Stella Johnson, a guard from Rider University. The Sky also have many veteran returnees that will help bring leadership to the team both on and off the court.
What Does the Sky Need to do to Win?
The Sky will be very motivated to beat the Aces after the tough loss in last year’s playoffs. This team will need to utilize the post players for easy buckets but will have to go up against players like A’ja Wilson. They also have strong shooters, so utilizing the three-point shot will be helpful in scoring. The Sky needs to be tough on defense from the very beginning. The Aces are able to come back easily as shown in previous games, so if Chicago wants to pull out a win, they should start scoring both inside and outside the paint early on.
Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces had an interesting off-season due to losing players, but also acquiring players. Kelsey Plum is not playing this season due to rupturing her Achilles. Liz Cambage opted out due to medical concerns. The Aces do not have any rookies on their roster, but they acquired many new players that are new to the team.
New additions to the team include Alex Bentley, Angel McCoughtry, Danielle Robinson, and Avery Warley-Talbert. These players were obtained through both trade and free agency. Without two starters, Plum and Cambage, the Aces will struggle, but they have new additions of veteran players and returners.
What Does the Aces Need to do to Win?
The Aces need to focus on points in the paint and rebounding. Plum was one of the Aces’ best three-point shooters, so without her, the points in the paint are crucial. Some players like McBride and Bentley can shoot the three, but the paint will be a point of strength for the Aces. Rebounding will be another key for the Aces on both offense and defense. The Aces need to utilize their strengths such as rebounding and points in the paint. They should also rely a lot on their veteran players, playing with experience will help this team pull out a win.
This game will be a close one and can be anyone’s game. Both teams are filled with experience and new assets to the team. It will be interesting to see how this game plays out. Make sure to tune in at 3:00 pm EST on ABC to see how this game plays out.
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