The Chicago Sky moved to 7-3 as they took down the Washington Mystics on Sunday night 91-82. Chicago started the game shooting 60% from the floor in the first quarter; this was Chicago’s second win over the Mystics this season. Washington was without leading scorer Elena Delle Donne (rest) and head coach Mike Thibault (health and safety protocol); both will likely be back for Wednesday’s matchup. Chicago will look to sweep the three-game season series in Wednesday’s rematch.
Frontcourt Dominance
Chicago’s frontcourt dominance was on full display in this game. Candace Parker, Emma Meesseman and Azurá Stevens combined for 33 points, 12 assists and 18 rebounds. Emma only missed one shot in the entire game, going 6-7 from the floor and finishing with 12 points, while Parker flourished on the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds and adding 12 points. This was Parker’s 167th double-double of her career. Twelve of Chicago’s first 14 points came from inside the paint in the second quarter.
Keeping Composed
The Sky suffered an offensive drop-off, shooting just 30% in the second quarter compared to 60% in the first quarter, this allowed Washington to tie the game at 27, but the Sky was able to regain composure to take a 2-point lead into the second half.
The Sky came out of their 3-point slump in this game, shooting 45% as a team from three and going 9-20 for the game. Allie Quigley, who was 1-9 in her last three games, went 2-4 from 3 in Sunday’s game.
Big Shots
Contributions from the Finals MVP Kahleah Copper and Dana Evans also helped Chicago secure the win against Washington. Copper was the Sky’s leading scorer with 15 points. Copper scored 8 of her 15 points in the 3rd. Evans also scored in double figures with 12 points. Evans scored a big momentum half-court bucket in the 3rd to give Chicago an 11-point lead.
In the post-game press conference, The Sky Hook podcast reporter Chris Pennant asked head coach James Wade about the Sky being in sync on offense and defense and some of the takeaways from this game; James Wade said:
Just chemistry building more time together players getting comfortable, communication building were you get to know your players. You spend more time on the road with everybody and just a consistent buy in of your leaders that help spread that buy in amongst everyone else and it makes it more cohesive.
Chicago is still without Julie Allemand.
A Look Ahead
The Sky’s defense held Natasha Cloud to just 1-6 shooting and 2 points, which is way below her season average of 12ppg.
For Washington, Tianna Hawkins was a bright spot with 21 points. Hawkins was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points.
Chicago will travel to Washington to play the Mystics in a rematch on Wednesday, June 8th.
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