In the words of the late great Kobe Bryant
” Jobs Not Finished.”
No other words are truer for the Chicago Sky as they begin their quest to bring home their franchise first-ever championship. Chicago will face the team who stomped on their championship dreams 8 years ago in the 2014 Finals the Phoenix Mercury.
That “you’re headed to the WNBA Finals” mood.
— Phoenix Mercury – X (@PhoenixMercury) October 9, 2021
See you 24 hours from now X-Factor!
🎟 https://t.co/5fLyvj8vjO pic.twitter.com/cDoYDff6h5
A lot of things about Chicago has changed since the 2014 Finals where they faced the Mercury: Courtney Vandersloot has evolved into one of the best point guards in the league, Allie Quigley has become a more confident sharpshooter. Candace Parker is now in Chicago along with a young budding superstar talent in Kahleah Copper. The Sky were a completely different team when they were swept 3-0 in 2014. That sweep has to be in the back of the minds of the players who played in that series in 2014.
Chicago is coming off upsetting the No.1 overall seed in the Connecticut Sun and has time to rest some of their vets. And prepare for Game one of the WNBA Finals. Phoenix took the season series from Chicago in the regular season 3-0. But the playoffs are a completely different season. For Chicago to take home the first game of the series they must remain true to their identity, keep their pace, and hit the glass hard.
Chicago will lean on veteran Parker to lead them through this tough series. Parker, who won a championship in 2016 with the Los Angeles Sparks; knows it will take the little things for Chicago to win this series.
Chicago also must find a way to contain Skylar Diggins-Smith; who during the Phoenix season sweep scored an average of 38 ppg.
The Sky must handle the tough task of handling a post of Brianna Turner and Brittney Griner.
Chicago will also have to deal with veteran Diana Taurasi.
This will be the first time in history; that two teams outside of the top 3 will battle for the WNBA championship.
Each team is filled with superstars. And will be a very tough battle that will set up for a very entertaining final series.
The WNBA Finals commence today at 3 PM ET on ABC.
Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more from the WNBA Playoffs. You can follow Nov on Twitter @WNBAUncut.
