In an exciting game one of the WNBA Playoffs, the Chicago Sky took down the Connecticut Sun in double overtime 101-95.
The Sky came into the game winners of two single elimination games. On the other side, the Sun came in off nine days of rest.
Before the game, the Connecticut Sun celebrated three award winners. 2021 WNBA MVP Jonquel Jones, Most Improved Player Brionna Jones and Coach of the Year Curt Miller all received their awards at center court. On what could have been a full night of celebration, Chicago ruined the party.
In the first quarter, the rust of the Connecticut Sun was evident, but as the game went on, the number one overall seed found their footing. This set up what would be an exciting second half.
During the pregame media presser, James Wade compared the match-up to the fights in the movie franchise Rocky. The comparison was spot on as both teams hit big shot after big shot. It was clear neither team wanted to lose.
It took double overtime for a winner to prevail and when the dust settled, it was the Sky with the victory.
Chicago guard Courtney Vandersloot put on a historic performance as she registered only the second triple double in WNBA history. Sloot joined Sheryl Swoopes as the only other player to achieve this feat, ending the game with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 18 assists.
The 18 assists that Vandersloot recorded also broke Sue Bird’s playoff assist record.
Chicago also had big contributions from Candace Parker, who struggled in Chicago’s previous games. She wound up with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. In the post game conference Parker referenced the late great Kobe Bryant.
“The job’s not finished, it will feel good tonight, but then it’s time to get back to work. The job’s not done.”
Parker is correct in this statement. Chicago must keep their foot on the gas if they want to steal this series for a lethal Connecticut squad.
Chicago Sky take a one game lead. They look to take a 2-0 series lead when the team’s meet again on Thursday night on ESPN2, in Connecticut.
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