Chicago Sky Opens Season With Superb Win

By: Zach Draves

The 25th anniversary season of the WNBA is officially underway and the highly anticipated Chicago Sky pulled no punches. 

Chitown ventured into the nation’s capital to take on Washington Mystics to kick off the season. 

They entered the game with much expectation as two-time WNBA MVP and Naperville native Candace Parker made her official debut for her home team and she along with the venerable talents of Diamond Deshields, Kahleah Copper, Stefanie Dolson,  and Allison Quigley showed today that they are a force to be reckoned with. 

(Courtesy: Chicago Sun Times)

They defeated the Mystics 70-56 and throughout the game their transition offense, ability to look for the open spot in the paint, and emphasis on defense carried them through. 

(Courtesy: Youtube)

The Mystics on the other hand, led by veterans Tina Charles and Natasha Cloud, held their own even with the other star Elena Delle Donne sidelined by injury. 

A major theme for this season opener was a small return to normalcy.

That sentiment was echoed by Sky GM and Head Coach James Wade who spoke about what being back on the road and playing in arenas mean after being in the wubble last year due to COVID-19.

(Courtesy: NBC Sports)

“It helps us as a ball club when you have to have discipline like you didn’t have before” he said.

“Having some rules and discipline is the way to go and the more discipline you are we are all going to better for it.”

He was referring to still taking precautions such as wearing masks even as restrictions are starting to be lifted and the CDC proclaimed that fully vaccinated people can go about without masks or social distancing. 

Prioritizing one’s health and well-being is a constant theme in the Sky vicinity and Coach Wade has done a tremendous job at looking out for the players. 

For Washington, Tina and Natasha are coming back after taking a year off, Tina due to injury, and Natasha due to her principled commitment to social justice and activism. 

The Sky holding the Mystics to 56 points is tied for the third-lowest for any opponent of the Sky in a single game in franchise history. The previous occurrence came against the Atlanta Dream on August 24, 2013 (Sky won 67-56).

(Courtesy: BulletsForever)

The Sky limited Washington to just 25% shooting from the field, which is the lowest mark of any Sky opponent in a single game in franchise history. The previous low came on August 24, 2013 against the Atlanta Dream (Atlanta shot 28.6% from the field). 

Candace was dominant and finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and one steal. 

(Courtesy: Chicago Tribune)

Sky all-time scoring leader Allie Quigley amassed 3000 career points with the franchise during the third quarter of today’s game. 

Sky players combined for 24 points and shot 33.3% from the field, 66.7% from beyond the arc, and 90.9% from the free-throw line during the second quarter. 

With today’s win, Sky is 9-6 all-time in season openers, and 6-6 all-time when opening on the road.

The Sky is the limit in Chitown and it is safe to say that the rich tradition of basketball success in the Windy City is on the brink of returning. 

The Sky (1-0) travels to Atlanta, Ga., to take on the Atlanta Dream (0-1) on Wednesday, May 19.