With a triumphant 81-64 Chicago Sky win over the Dallas Wings, Chicago’s goal is getting over their second-round hump.
The team travels to Minnesota, looking to secure another single-elimination game. Win, and Chicago punches their ticket to the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2016.
To accomplish that, Chicago must beat James Wade’s former organization, the Minnesota Lynx. Wade, who won a championship with the Lynx in 2016, looks to secure his third playoff win as a head coach.
Secure Rebounds
For Chicago, the key to the game is simple: limit turnovers and win the rebounding battle.
When Chicago rebounds, they’re at their best in transition and out and running. Both teams split the season series, with the away team winning in a blowout fashion. When Chicago lost 101-95, on August 21, Minnesota outrebounded the Sky 33 to 23.
This match also features 2 future Hall of Famers in Candace Parker and Sylvia Fowles.
Parker seeks to beat Minnesota, a rival from her days with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Parker will also hope to improve in the scoring column, going 5-15 from the floor with 11 points.
Improve From Deep
The Sky need to increase their 3-point shooting accuracy. They shot a terrible 19% (4-21) against Dallas on Thursday night. If they want any chance at beating Minnesota, they have to make the 3-ball.
In Chicago’s 105-89 victory against the Lynx, on June 15, Chicago completed 12 of 26 from beyond the arc.
The ex-factor in Chicago’s game against Minnesota will be Diamond DeShields. If she can come out and give the Sky production the way she did against the Indiana Fever. In the final game of the regular season, DeShields scored 30, along with seven rebounds and six assists.
A repeat performance like that increases Chicago’s chance of defeating Minnesota.
Chicago faces Minnesota Sunday at 5:00 p.m. ET, on ESPN2. Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more coverage from the WNBA Playoffs. You can follow Nov on Twitter @WNBAUncut.
