Thursday, September 17, 2020

On the Beat With the Chicago Sky 09/15/20

The Chicago Sky's season ended with a 94-81 loss to the Connecticut Sun in their one game playoff. The Sky will now leave “the Wubble,” while the Sun will advance to the next single elimination game on Thursday.
It was a disappointing, but not entirely shocking loss for the Sky. As losers of six of their last regular season games, the Sky had been struggling to find success of late.
After a strong start to their season, the Sky was 11-4 in first place in the Eastern Conference and viewed as a real threat to win the WNBA championship. Unfortunately, that would be the high point. They finished their schedule with only one more win (against the 8-14 Dallas Wings), while losing the other six games by an average of 7 points.
The departure of Diamond DeShields (personal reasons) and Azura Stevens (injury) hurt the team, but nobody used that as an excuse. The Sky acquired Stephanie Mavunga and signed Alexis Prince for additional bench depth, but it just wasn't enough.
In the post game presser, Courtney Vandersloot, Kahleah Copper, Allie Quigley and Gabby Williams were understandably upset, but they remained positive about what was accomplished this season.
The Sky fared well on the WNBA season average leader board ranks, including Points (3), Field Goal Percentage (1), Three Point Percentage (5), Assists (2), Blocks (3), Defensive Rebounds (5) and Plus/Minus (5). On the other hand, there were some lower end ranks, including, Offensive Rebounds (10), Total Rebounds (9), Steals (8) and Free Throw Percentage (7).
Individually Courtney Vandersloot led the league in assists and was 9th in plus/minus. Cheyenne Parker was 7th in offensive rebounds. That was about it for top ten individual rankings.
In the end, the Sky and every other WNBA team should be proud of this season. They stood tall during a health pandemic and social unrest. They stayed true to their goal of using their platform for social change. A full league photo was a first as far as I have ever seen in the world of sports. That photo speaks volumes, representing the unity of the players and the league. The Sky gave fans a season of fun.
I would like to publicly thank Director of Public Relations and Communications Kelly Kane and intern Jake Meister for facilitating our coverage, including giving us access to the team all season. I also appreciate Coach James Wade and all the players for their time, consideration and fun.
Go to WNBA.com for info on the league, including the rest of the playoffs. Check back here for recurring coverage of the WNBA.

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