
The Chicago Sky hosted the Phoenix Mercury to begin the second half of the season. This was the first of three meetings between the teams.
This game marked Kahleah Copper’s return to Chicago for the first time since she was traded. She was honored with a tribute video before the start of the game and watched as all the fans cheered for her as they reminisced about the good times.
A New Look
Prior to the all-star/Olympic break, Marina Mabrey was traded to the Connecticut Sun. The Sky received Rachel Banham, Moriah Jefferson, and some draft compensation. With Mabrey gone, Onyenwere was added to the starting lineup.
The Sky was without Chennedy Carter, who was ruled out due to illness. With Carter missing her first game of the season, Banham was added to the starting lineup.
The Mercury were without Rebecca Allen, who will be out for a few games due to a hamstring injury she suffered before the Olympics. With Allen out, Cunningham got the start.
First Half Firepower
The Phoenix Mercury came out on a mission, and that was to dominate. It was a dominant first half for the Mercury. They started the game on a 15-2 run, holding the Sky without a made field goal until midway through the first quarter.
Chicago went on a 5-0 run after making their first field goal, but it did not do much as Phoenix continued punishing them on both ends of the floor. Copper was making the most out of her return, scoring 18 points on 70% FG in the first half.
Brittney Griner had 12 points on 100% FG. No one on the Sky could keep her from scoring, no matter who was guarding her. Chicago was held to just 27% FG and 17% 3PG, while Phoenix shot 58% FG and 50% 3PG.
Not Going Down So Easily
Even though the Mercury led by 28, the game was far from over. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon has emphasized that her team needs to get off to better starts. The Sky began the third quarter on a 6-2 run to cut the lead to 18.
Not only was the offense starting to flow, but the defense picked up. They forced six Mercury turnovers, which led to six points. Despite the excellent start, the Mercury dominated on both ends of the floor.
Things got heated midway through the third quarter, and Taurasi and Cunningham were each called for a technical foul. Onyenwere was also given a tech after getting into a scuffle with Cunningham.
The Sky’s lead was 17 at the end of the third quarter, but much work still needed to be done. The Mercury began the fourth quarter on a 7-2 run to push the lead back to 22. Chicago then answered with a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 16, the closest the game had been since the first quarter.
Unfortunately, Copper and Griner continued to score along with everyone else. Chicago also left too many points off the board at the free-throw line. They were too much for Chicago, and the Mercury won the game 85-65.
Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 29 points on 63% FG. Brittney Griner finished with 23 on 83% FG, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals, and five blocks. Diana Taurasi finished with 11 points.
Dana Evans led the Sky with 14 points on 60% FG. Kamilla Cardoso finished with 10 points and five rebounds. Angel Reese finished with 11 points and 15 rebounds. She set the single-season franchise record for most offensive rebounds with 118 and counting. The record was previously set by Sylvia Fowles in 2013 with 112.
What’s Next?
The Chicago Sky will begin a three-game road trip on Saturday when they take on the Los Angeles Sparks. The game will air on WNBA League Pass and begin at 5:00 p.m. EST.
The Phoenix Mercury will travel to Indiana to play the Fever on Friday. The game will air on Ion Television and begin at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Photo Courtesy: @PhoenixMercury/X


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