On Sunday afternoon, Chicago moved to 3-2 on the season. Chicago had trouble slowing down rookie Shakira Austin in the early half of the game, who finished the first half with 12 points. However, at the end of the 3rd quarter, Chicago would pull away from the Washington Mystics, outscoring them 23-13 to gain a 6-point lead heading into the 4th. The Sky beat Washington 82-73.
History in the Capitol
Candace Parker‘s historic night would help the Sky clinch the win. Parker finished the game with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Parker would join Courtney Vandersloot and Sheryl Swoopes as the only two players in WNBA history to record multiple triple-doubles. The triple-double is the second of Parker’s career, the first coming in 2017 against the San Antonio Stars. Parker was also very efficient from the field, going 7/13, shooting at 53%.
After the game press conference, Parker said, “it means a lot to be mentioned in the same company as Courtney Vandersloot and Sheryl Swoopes.” Saying Swoops is a player she has looked up to while growing up.
Do you smell what the bench is cooking?
The bench was also a significant factor in the Sky’s win. Chicago’s bench would combine for 29 points, compared to Washington’s 11. Azurà Stevens would be the leading scorer for the second unit with 13. Rebekah Gardner also added 11 points.
Chicago would have six players finish in double figures, including Kahleah Copper, who finished with 12 points and 4 rebounds in her first game of the season. Emma Meesseman would also finish in double figures with 11 points.
The Sky defense was also on display, holding Washington to just 37% shooting for the game and forcing the Mystics into 12 turnovers.
Chicago’s next game will be against the Indiana Fever, where the defending champions will raise their banner and be presented with their championship rings.
Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more from the WNBA. Nov is on Twitter too. Follow @WNBAUncut.
