The Chicago Sky improved their record to 5-11 after defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 92-85. The Sky played spoiler to the Los Angeles Sparks, who were retiring former Sparks Forward Candace Parker’s #3 jersey. The Sparks started the game out-rebounding the Sky and scoring easy baskets in the paint. The Chicago Sky’s defensive efforts improved, keeping the Sparks from getting second opportunities due to Angel Reese’s ability to force turnovers and ball creativity, which allowed her Sky teammates to get open looks to score baskets from behind the arc, building a four-point lead at the end of the first half.
Angel Reese secured 16 rebounds, scored 24 points to go along with 7 assists, and set a WNBA record with four consecutive games of 15 rebounds.
The Sparks tried to take advantage of the Sky lack of front-court size because they are without their center Kamilla Cardoso, who is currently playing for her Brazilian National Team in the FIBA AmeriCup. Chicago Sky Center Elizabeth Williams made up for Cardoso’s absence with 12 points and 9 rebounds to help the Chicago Sky secure their 5th win of the season. The Sky had a total of five players in double digits for the game: Ariel Atkins with 20 points, Rachel Banham with 13 points, and Kia Nurse with 14 points.
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LA Sparks Kelsey Plum had a rough night shooting the ball, going 4-16 from the field for 22 points, even though Azura Steven went 3-5 from behind the arc for 17 points, Emma Cannon 15 points, and Dearica Hamby 20 and 10 rebounds in the game.
The Sparks were able to gain a seven-point lead late in the third quarter, but the Sky went on an 8-2 scoring run, holding onto a 1 point lead. The Sky continued to outscore the Sparks in the fourth quarter, had a 14-4 scoring run, allowing them to gain an 8-point lead late in the fourth quarter. Angel Reese put her team on her back to secure the win, keeping teammates engaged from allowing the lead to slip through their hands. The Sky will face the Lynx on the 6th of July at 7 PM.