The Chicago Sky used a balanced attack to beat the Los Angeles Sparks 96-78, Chicago had all five starters in double figures and six players total in double figures. Kahleah Copper and Azura Stevens led the way with 21 points apiece. Courtney Vandersloot dished out ten assists, and she ran the offense flawlessly.
The Sky is counting on Copper to step her game up to another level this season, and it looks like she is well on her way to doing that. Stevens has been clutch in two games so far for Chicago. She was acquired in a trade this past offseason.
The Sparks made a push to get back in the game in the first half, but Chicago went on 13-2 run in the third quarter and never looked back. Off the bench, Brittney Sykes led the Sparks with 16 points, and Nneka Ogwumike added 12 points.
Chicago did a great job pushing the pace, and as the game went on, the Sparks looked like they were getting tired. Sparks are better when they control the pace of the game and get the ball inside.
Chicago Three-Point Shooting
The Sky shot 44% from three-point land, pushing the pace opened up wide-open three-point shots for Chicago. They made 11 three’s in the game. Stevens made four, and Gabby Willians knocked down three.
Rebounding
Even with Stefanie Dolson, the Sky won the rebounding battle 25-18. Copper and Stevens also led the way in the rebounding category. Copper led the team with nine and Stevens added eight. Sparks only shot 42% from the field. So there were a lot of rebounds for the Sky to grab. Playing good defense always leads you to get out in transition and make plays.
If Chicago keeps playing like this, they can be hard to beat. With Copper playing well once Diamond DeShields gets healthy with Copper and DeShields on the wings, the Sky could be really dangerous.
