By David Moses
Eager to amend the loss in their home opener against the Connecticut Sun, the Chicago Sky were back home in the first of 3 meetings against the Seattle Storm. Both teams came into Tuesday night's matchup at the .500 win percentage mark as early season woes have struck both of these rosters to start the 2024 campaign. The Sky had their hands full as they went against one of the league's more premiere backcourts combining for 20 years’ experience in the WNBA, between Skylar- Diggins Smith (21pts) and Jewell Lloyd (15pts).
Early offensive contributions were made by the tandem of Marina Mabrey (7 pts) and Elizabeth Williams (10 pts). Also, making her return to action after knee surgery caused her to miss all of the 2023 season was forward Isabelle Harrison who entered the game with 2 minutes left in the first quarter. Tallying a single field goal which was converted on her first shot attempt, Harrison used her size to help aid in the paint while also bringing in 5 rebounds. More importantly, providing a much-needed break for the starters who had been averaging around 27 minutes per game. Harrison proved that the durability in her left knee would hold up in her return, as she finished with 10 minutes and 25 seconds in the game. Her counterpart in Angel Reese was a force to be reckoned with as she snatched 10 first half rebounds while also tallying 6 points. These efforts helped immensely as the Sky were staring at just a one-point deficit headed into the halftime break (39-38).
The third quarter kicked off with a 4-0 run in favor of the Sky to take their first lead of the game. That would quickly be erased as the Storm would catch fire from all angles attacking the basket, drawing fouls, and making offensive trips for the Sky very uncomfortable. You could sense the experience levels between the two teams playing a major factor in the tide changing as these efforts would balloon the lead for the Storm to as much as 19 points which was the biggest lead for either team all game. Getting back to transition basketball served the Sky well as they gave one more push to make a comeback. With the ball in their premiere playmakers hands, this helped the Sky mount a mini comeback to bring the game within 6. Two timely baskets from veteran guard Skylar- Diggins Smith (21 pts) would extend the lead back up to nine and all but put the game away.
In what felt like a recurring ending where experience and vet leadership prevailed, the Chicago Sky seem to be molding an identity of being a physical team that longs to take the fight to their opponent every night. Head Coach Teresa Witherspoon had this to say when asked about what the team will look to lean on in the schedule ahead… “We had a lot of energy coming off the bench, versatile and energized players. I love what we have on this team. Now all we need is that intensity and cohesion that it requires to be a winning basketball team”. Although it may not always result in a W in the win column as the Sky currently own a 2-3 record, future teams do not want any problems with this young Sky roster. A fully healthy Chicago Sky team is going to be fun to watch this year, especially late in the season.
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