The Chicago Sky are navigating a challenging season under first-year head coach Tyler Marsh, focusing on building their identity and developing young talent alongside experienced veterans. However, as the season approaches its midpoint, the urgency for tangible progress is increasing.
In their recent matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, the Sky faced another setback, losing 107-86. This defeat marked their ninth loss of the season, and notably, the seventh by over 20 points. The game revealed several persistent issues that the team has faced throughout the season.
One major concern has been turnovers, which continue to plague the Sky. In the game against the Mercury, they tallied 21 turnovers, allowing Phoenix to convert them into 32 points. This high turnover rate places the Sky at the top of the league with an average of 17.1 turnovers per game, significantly hampering their offensive flow.
The third quarter has also been detrimental to their performance. Historically, this period has seen the Sky struggle, as exemplified by their inability to maintain leads, such as in their prior game against the Washington Mystics. On Saturday, a series of three consecutive 3-pointers early in the third quarter boosted the Mercury’s lead and effectively put the game out of reach.
The Mercury’s dominance from beyond the arc played a crucial role in their victory. They shot 47.1 percent from three-point range, setting a franchise record with 17 made 3-pointers, taking advantage of defensive lapses by the Sky.
Despite these challenges, there were positives in the Sky’s performance. Kamilla Cardoso stood out with her strong inside presence, finishing with a team-high 17 points and shooting an impressive 77.8 percent from the field. Marsh highlighted her aggressiveness in attacking the basket before facing double teams.
Ariel Atkins, though burdened by turnovers, contributed significantly to the team’s offensive command with 13 points and four assists. The bench also made a mark, notably in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Mercury 28-15, showcasing potential for depth in their roster. Michaela Onyenwere matched Cardoso’s scoring with 17 points, indicating the bench’s readiness to step up when called upon.
Additionally, rookie Angel Reese is showing signs of growth, with nine points and an expanded role in various aspects of the game, including hitting a 3-pointer.
While the season has presented numerous challenges, Marsh remains hopeful that the Sky can turn things around. He noted the importance of improving on defense and cutting down on turnovers, emphasizing that there are signs of progress despite the struggles. With a focus on consistency in both offensive and defensive play, there is a sense of optimism about the team’s potential moving forward.