The Chicago Sky ended their four-game losing streak with a convincing 83-72 victory over the Dallas Wings at Wintrust Arena on Thursday. The win was marked by standout performances from Chennedy Carter and Marina Mabrey, both scoring 19 points and an exceptional game from rookie Angel Reese.
Dominant First Half
Chicago established their dominance early, leading 20-11 by the end of the first quarter. Their defensive prowess and efficient scoring continued in the second quarter, closing the half on a 16-4 run to build a substantial 42-25 lead. Carter was perfect in the first half, making all seven of her shots to contribute 15 points. Dallas struggled offensively, shooting just 28% from the field and 18% from three-point range.
Record-Breaking Performance
Angel Reese had a historic night, recording her seventh consecutive double-double with 16 points and a season-high 18 rebounds, setting a WNBA rookie record. Her performance surpassed the previous record held by Tina Charles and Cindy Brown. Reese’s steal and fast-break layup in the third quarter extended Chicago's lead to 55-35, as Dallas failed to find their rhythm.
Dallas' Late Surge
The Wings showed signs of life in the fourth quarter, with Arike Ogunbowale scoring 17 of her 31 points. Ogunbowale made three consecutive three-pointers, cutting the Sky’s lead to 69-59. Jacy Sheldon, making her first start of the season, hit a three-pointer to bring Dallas within nine points at 79-70 with just 44.1 seconds left. However, Chicago responded with four straight free throws to seal the win.
Balanced Attack and Strong Defense
Kamilla Cardoso, coming off her first career double-double, added nine points and 11 rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint for Chicago. Dana Evans contributed 12 points, showcasing the depth of the Sky’s roster. Despite a late push from Dallas, Chicago's balanced attack and defensive efforts ensured their victory.
The Next Challenge is Indiana Fever
With this win, the Chicago Sky improved to 5-9. They will aim to build on this momentum as they face the Indiana Fever at home on June 23rd at 3 pm CT. The Sky will look to replicate their strong performance and continue their climb up the standings.
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