NFL
Albert Einstein, although brilliant, may have been a sideline off with his clockwork theories of relativity. True, the Chicago Sky fell convincingly in last week’s defeats in Washington, D.C., and Toronto. All the Lombardisms in the world would not be enough motivation for a rebuilding Sky franchise to defeat those two superior sides.
However, if the Sky can rediscover the grit displayed in a spirited triumph over Connecticut and use collective will to steel its effort, Chicago will have two more chances to defeat bitter foes.
(E=mc²=bah, humbug.)
Dream’s Awakening
During another evening in a long sequence of Chicago reunion tours, Angel Reese and her Atlanta Dream awaken at Wintrust Arena on Tuesday.
The headlines in the Chicago papers will primarily focus on Reese’s return. More importantly, how well will the Sky compete against a 7-3 team off to a rocketing start?
During the Connecticut victory, several encouraging trends continued. Natasha Cloud furthered her impassioned leadership, and Skylar Diggins’ impressive 24 points easily led Chicago.
Most notable is the poise Chicago demonstrated in the waning moments. Head coach Tyler Marsh utilized his timeouts expertly. Impressively, he used his final stoppage for a vital ball advancement instead of risking an uncertain foul challenge.
Atlanta will present a much steeper battle than declining Connecticut. While Chicago’s transition defense has notably and refreshingly improved, it still shows occasional lapses. Against a talented opponent, the Sky must limit Dream opportunities while earning their own effective looks.
Alas, limited size is disadvantageous to Chicago. However, to (reluctantly) use a Lombardism: a woman’s worth is measured by what she can accomplish, granted her existing circumstances.
And what a circumstance awaits on Thursday!
Fever Breaking
When Amazon selected Sky-Fever for a marquee Thursday showdown, its employees were certainly imagining a Reese versus Caitlin Clark contest.
Alas, half of the appealing twin bill is absent. A lively crowd nonetheless provides a strong opportunity for the reimagined Sky.
Most of the current stories swirling around Clark are useless smokescreens. (As if NBA teams always give impeccable injury details!) In this case, America’s obsession with building up and tearing down heroes is laughably running out of fuel, thanks to a lack of genuine demerits to pin on the hoops star.
Contemplate, instead, Chicago’s situation. In a difficult postgame, then-coach James Wade once observed: “We don’t play to keep it close.” Yes, in the first stages of a franchise reorientation, moral victories must be a first solace. However, the Sky has had enough false starts in its twenty-year history. A victory in Indianapolis, rather than a narrow defeat, would be an important step in building.
Quarter Pole
At 4-7, Chicago is already a quarter through an expanded 44-game season. Sure, the team’s contingencies of choice will ensure that certain actions, such as travel to each game and a minimal effort, are accomplished.
What is not predetermined is how much the Sky learns from its defeats and triumphs. Playing Atlanta and Indiana, indeed, will be tricky tasks. However, they are not necessary losses. Before fans take the Sky Express to these viewings, Team NBS Media departs with one last Lombardism.
“What the [oops]’s going on out there?” A new horizon for Sky success? Or a sunset similar to Connecticut’s?
In an indeterminate future, a silver hope always shines toward victory.
