So close, yet so far away.
It only took one late-game run to erase the gains of a Chicago Sky squad that seemed so close to finally finding its footing for the first time this year. Chicago came up short as the Phoenix Mercury, who were without a former Sky standout in Kahleah Copper, kept their red-hot start alive with a 94-89 win over the Windy City's own. The loss continues the Sky's descent into unexpected territory as they fell in their fourth defeat in as many of the first games of their 2025 campaign, a season start they haven't seen in over 15 years, as they seem miles away from sailing out of rough waters and cashing in on their offseason gambles.
Still, even with the loss, it wasn't all cloudy skies and stormy weather for this new-look Sky team.
Chicago is still some ways away from living up to its potential, but it can certainly take the good with the bad before heading into its final two games before its Commissioner's Cup matchups. It arguably had its best showing on offense this season as it hit just over 46 percent of their tries from the floor. The starters combined for 79 points as they at least found some ways to be consistent. Both Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso continued to work on their high-low games in what would be the Sky's best passing game of the year. The Sky dished 25 assists in Tuesday's loss, their most since another close loss to the Mercury late last season.
What can the Sky take away from their loss to Phoenix? Will they have what it takes to earn their first victory against the Dallas Wings on Thursday?
Stud: The guards
One small step for the Sky's guards meant one giant leap for their offense.
Chicago's small steps forward were highlighted by none other than its newest additions in the backcourt. The guards continued to lead the charge from long range, a trend they started the moment the Sky first took the court this season. Kia Nurse confidently shot off catch-and-shoot opportunities seemingly every chance she could, which led to a season-high four makes for the former Mercury guard. She would end the night with 14 points as she finally seemed to get into her stride following a slow start to the season.
Courtney Vandersloot showed she could still be the captain of an offense as she notched a 15-point, 11-assist double-double, her first since August of last season. Her decision making led to plenty of tough scores against the Mercury's defenders, including some fastbreak makes and some much-needed shots off the pick-and-pop. It will be up to guards like the 15-year veteran to continue to take the reigns on offense in a key year for the Sky-town squad.
Dud: The perimeter game
Nothing can be more frustrating than an old problem continuously countering a new solution.
Despite the Sky finding some newfound success from the field, the old issue of their 3-point shooting came back to rear its ugly head as they continued to struggle despite their added shooting help. Chicago ended the matchup with six makes on 21 attempts from beyond the arc. Even after they finally saw some sparks of life from long range, it didn't take long for them to run out of gas as they missed their last eight tries from the perimeter. The Sky left the Mercury's home court with their third game with a 3-point percentage of 30 percent or lower, which played a major role in the team taking last place in the WNBA in long-range makes.
Chicago must take steps forward from the arc in an offense that has emphasized long-range shooting since Tyler Marsh first took up the head coaching mantle in November. Without a consistent 3-point game, it could be a while before the Sky right the ship and get to calmer waters before their postseason window closes for good.
Stud: The bigs on the boards
Just like last season, the Sky's youthful bigs quite literally made a big difference for the squad on the boards.
Reese led all players with 15 total rebounds, including five on offense, as she continued to use her rebounding prowess to turn the tide in her team's favor. Cardoso almost ended things off with a double-double of her own as she continued to be tenacious near the basket. The Sky won the battle on the boards behind the efforts of the duo, who proved to be the league's best rebounding rookies during Chicago's 2024 campaign.
Chicago's future success will ultimately hinge on the former SEC stars, who will need to be its focal points on both sides of the ball as it works through its latest transitional period. For now, it can at least rely on gaining second chances from one of the league's brightest big tandems, who are hauling down a combined average of just under nine offensive rebounds per game this season.
Dud: Defense down the line
While the Sky's offense will determine their more recent identity, it's often said that defense wins championships.
Though the Sky seemed to be more active on that side of the floor on Tuesday, it didn't stop the Mercury's landslide run that would lead to their comeback victory. Chicago nearly slowed Phoenix to a halt in the first half, but couldn't stop a second-half surge that saw them hit a scorching 57.6 percent of their tries from the floor. Mercury star Alyssa Thomas waved to the Phoenix crowd after she all but sealed the game with a gut-punch layup over Reese late in the fourth. The Mercury would see double-digit nights from five players, including a former USF star in Kitija Laksa, in what would be their highest-scoring game of the season.
Chicago may have had a few difficult matchups to start off its 2025 run, but locking things down on defense has been a major issue for the sputtering squad this year. The Sky are in or near last place in the WNBA in several defensive categories, including a league-worst defensive rating, in their first four games this season. They have a few talented defenders on their side, but will need to tighten up its defense after allowing 90 points or more for the fourth time this season.
The Sky will move on to face the Wings at 7 p.m. CDT on Thursday in Wintrust Arena. The game will be broadcast on The U and can be streamed on Prime Video.