Despite an overtime loss, Chicago did what they were supposed to do and grabbed one on the road. Now the Chicago Sky is headed back to the windy city with a chance to win their first franchise championship on their home floor. In order for that to take place, Chicago must tidy up a few things heading into Friday’s game.
One being their turnovers; Chicago committed 16 turnovers during Wednesday’s game, those 16 giveaways resulted in 25 Phoenix points.
The Sky also must get Candace Parker the ball down the stretch; Parker was held scoreless for all the second half and overtime period where she took only one attempt.
The bench play in Chicago also has to get better with players like Stefanie Dolson, Diamond DeShields and Dana Evans combined for hardly 10 points.
DeShields in specific hasn’t had a great season or playoffs, if DeShields can get her scoring on track in these next games, it would be a tremendous improvement for Chicago’s bench.
The 3-point shooting of the Sky has had to be better as well; when the Sky is over 35% good things take place for them. Allie Quigley, who has seemed to struggle somewhat from 3, was 3-12 from the 3-point line in Game 2. Parker was also 1-4 from 3, Chicago will require both stars to be sharp from behind the arch if they hope to secure the championship.
Furthermore, the Sky must control the pace; Phoenix was willing to limit Chicago in the half-court that produced in rushed shots or turnovers. Chicago must go back to playing with pace in these next upcoming games.
Kahleah Copper has been the strongest player so far for Chicago in these playoffs. But the physicality of Phoenix was prepared to hold her under her playoffs points average of 18ppg.
Copper and others have to figure out a strategy to play through the physicality that occurs with this Mercury defense.
Some controversial calls in the game didn’t go in the way of Chicago. But the Sky has to work on themselves in these next hours; some things are out of your control and with these next games in Chicago the destiny of the Chicago Sky is in their hands.
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