WNBA: Reese, Sky begin season with aggressive spirit

Projected to complete the season close to, if not at, the underside of the WNBA standings, the Chicago Sky at present sit in sixth place at 1-1 after splitting their opening set of video games in opposition to the Dallas Wings. The Sky misplaced the primary recreation 87-79, and gained the second recreation 83-74.

The win marked the primary for head coach Teresa Weatherspoon.

Chicago’s first rate begin largely is attributable to their means to resist challenges. Taking part in in opposition to a Dallas squad with arguably extra cohesiveness, they discovered successes because of the exploits of some notable gamers.

Marina Mabrey

From the soar, Mabrey has performed a little bit little bit of the whole lot. She led the way in which in scoring in each video games for a mixed complete of 33 factors. Mabrey did loads of playmaking and completed with a complete of 11 assists; she’s additionally crashed the boards for 17 complete rebounds. Her sharp taking pictures, alongside along with her playmaking skills, will come in useful because the season progresses.

Angel Reese

All eyes have been on the excessive profile rookie—and she or he didn’t disappoint. In her WNBA debut, Reese proved that she belonged as she completed with 12 factors and eight rebounds, essentially the most for a rookie in Sky historical past in every class. Within the second recreation, she grabbed seven offensive rebounds. Reese’s 12 complete offensive rebounds throughout two video games is a WNBA rookie report. Within the Sky win, she completed with 11 factors and 9 boards all collectively.

Diamond DeShields

Again in a Chicago uniform and enjoying with good well being for the primary time since sustaining a spinal twine harm two years in the past, DeShields has come again with a vengeance. She scored in double figures in each video games—14 within the first recreation and 16 within the second—for a complete of 30 factors. DeShields additionally did some useful work on the glass with seven complete rebounds and on protection with 5 complete steals. However the quantity that stands out essentially the most is that she got here away taking pictures 58 % from the sector. Protected to remain that she is again and right here to remain.

Dana Evans

With many hoping that she’s going to get her lengthy overdue shine, Evans is shining all the way in which. She scored a mixed complete of twenty-two factors in opposition to Dallas and added 12 complete assists, six in every recreation. Not solely did she end with three complete steals, however she additionally proved herself to be an efficient defensive presence who will go all out on the perimeter and frustrate her opponent. She additionally was flawless from the free throw line, going a mixed 8-for-8. The season simply began—and so has Evans.

Elizabeth Williams

Williams’ veteran presence and dominance within the paint has been evident. Throughout each video games, she scored 24 complete factors—12 in every recreation—and grabbed 18 complete rebounds, together with 10 within the Sky win. She additionally confirmed off her defensive prowess with steals and blocks, as she completed with 5 in every class in Chicago’s victory. Williams actually is the usual bearer for publish play for fellow veterans Isabelle Harrison and Brianna Turner, in addition to for rookies Reese and, when she finally returns from a shoulder harm, Kamilla Cardoso. Williams gained’t go at it alone, however she will certainly set the tone.

It’ll nonetheless be an uphill battle, however by means of two video games, the Sky have proven that they possess promise and potential.

The Chicago Sky (1-1) will tackle the New York Liberty (4-0) in Brooklyn on Might 23 at 7 p.m. ET.