The Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces faced each other for the second time this season. This time, the meeting took place in Las Vegas. It was the final game for both teams before the All-Star/Olympic break, so closing out the first half of the season with a win was important.
Coming Out with Energy
Last game against the Liberty, Chennedy Carter only played 16 minutes because head coach Teresa Weatherspoon wanted to see more energy. She has emphasized that her team needs to come out with a ton of energy.
Against the Aces, the Sky got off to a 21-5 start. Carter scored 14 of those points on 83.3% FG. Not only was the offense on fire for Chicago, but their defensive presence was just as lethal. They forced six turnovers and drew two personal fouls on Tiffany Hayes.
Las Vegas finally got something going on offense, going on a 6-0 later in the first quarter to cut the lead to 10. They got the lead within single digits to begin the second quarter before Chicago went on a 17-5 run to extend their lead. They led by as many as 21 points over the Aces. It is safe to say this was the best first half the Sky have had all season so far.
Don’t Count Out the Aces
If there is anything the players, coaches, and fans have learned when watching basketball is that no lead is safe. Another thing they have learned is to never count out the Las Vegas Aces.
After being down by as many as 21 points, the Aces closed the first half on a 16-2 run to cut the lead to single digits. Jackie Young had 11 points in the second quarter, and Tiffany Hayes had eight.
They began the third quarter with a three-pointer to cut the lead to four before Carter scored four quick points to push Chicago’s lead back to eight. Chicago went on a 10-2 run to increase their lead back to double digits.
Once again, no lead is safe as the Aces ended the third quarter on a 9-3 run to make the game close. They finally took their first lead of the game thanks to a 9-2 run to begin the fourth quarter.
It all started on the defensive end, where they got three consecutive stops and capitalized on those opportunities. Sydney Colson was the catalyst for the Aces’ defense picking up.
She checked into the game midway through the third quarter and her impact was evident. There is a reason why she was important in Game 4 of the 2023 WNBA finals.
Executing Down the Stretch
One of the Chicago Sky’s biggest struggles this season has been closing out games. They let several games get away from them because of poor execution down the stretch whether that was crucial missed free throws or turnovers.
They completely flipped the script against Las Vegas. After the Aces took the lead, it was some back-and-forth action. The Sky then proceeded to go on a 10-2 to lead by double digits.
Las Vegas could not generate any stops or take care of the ball, which led to Chicago sealing the game by hitting their free throws. The season series is tied 1-1, with two more matchups expected to take place during the second half of the season.
Chennedy Carter led the Sky with 34 points on 58.3% FG along with three steals. Marina Mabrey finished with 15 points, four assists, and three steals.
Angel Reese finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, her 17th double-double of the season. She is tied with Candace Parker and Yolanda Griffith in second for most double-doubles by a rookie in WNBA history.
A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 28 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, and three steals. Tiffany Hayes finished with 19 points on 80% FG. Jackie Young finished with 17 points on 54.5% FG along with two steals.
Photo Courtesy: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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