On Sunday towards the Phoenix Mercury, the Chicago Sky confirmed a facet of themselves that had been dormant: They will shoot the ball from past the arc.
Although the Sky got here up brief in a aggressive recreation, falling 93-88, it was their taking pictures from lengthy vary that stored them in rivalry. Given the vulnerability of Kamilla Cardoso, who performed a restricted quantity of minutes as a consequence of a shoulder pressure, Chicago needed to rely closely on their perimeter gamers. And so they got here by means of, taking pictures 56 % from the 3-point line in comparison with the Mercury’s 37.5 %.
It wasn’t one participant doing all of the work, it was 5.
Chennedy Carter shot 7-for-20 from the sphere and 2-for-3 from the 3-point line to wind up with 20 factors and 4 assists. Michaela Onywenwere shot 66.7 % from the three, whereas going 7-for-13 from the sphere. She completed with 18 factors and 9 rebounds, taking part in each minute of the sport. Rachel Banham got here out on fireplace from behind the arc en route to 5 whole triples. She completed with 17 factors and 7 assists. Dana Evans got here off the bench to supply some impactful play. She was an ideal 3-for-3 from deep as she got here away with 13 factors, together with 5 rebounds. And on the helm of the offense, Lindsay Allen was the playmaker, contributing six factors and 7 assists.
As well as, the Sky put loads of emphasis on defending the ball, turning it over simply seven instances. Chicago additionally was capable of area the ground, be affected person in transition and transfer with out the ball. After the sport, Onyenwere mentioned:
Statistically they’re not a group that turns groups over so much. We knew that typically we’re liable to turning the ball over so we didn’t hand over these further possessions. It was simply actually good for us.
Regardless of the loss, Chicago stays in rivalry for the eighth playoff spot, together with the Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics. On Sunday, the Dream defeated the Mystics 76-73. All three are tied with the identical 13-25 file.
With two remaining video games, coach Teresa Weatherspoon seems to construct off the positives they displayed on Sunday, saying after the sport:
Simply do it once more. Run the performs, execute the performs. They have been sharing the ball. They have been making the additional go if you try this. It’s enjoyable to observe that sort of basketball. It’s enjoyable to play it and it was enjoyable for them tonight to play that type of basketball.
The Chicago Sky (13-25) will tackle the Atlanta Dream (13-25) on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
