Game Recap
The Chicago Sky ended a five-game losing streak by beating the New York Liberty 91-85 on Thursday night. Kamilla Cardoso had a standout performance with 22 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Angel Reese also contributed significantly, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
The Sky’s victory marked a significant turn in their recent performance, having lost 13 of their last 14 games overall and suffering a five-game skid against the Liberty.
Team Performance
Ariel Atkins played a crucial role in the Sky’s win, scoring 19 points, with nine of those coming in the fourth quarter. Michaela Onyenwere added 13 points to the team’s total. The game was closely contested, featuring 21 lead changes and 11 ties, which kept both teams on their toes throughout.
Liberty’s Effort
Jonquel Jones had a notable performance for the Liberty, making a career-high tying five 3-pointers and scoring 25 points. Sabrina Ionescu added 16 points, and Natasha Cloud contributed 14 points. Despite their efforts, the Liberty were unable to secure the win. Ionescu made two free throws that gave the Liberty an 85-83 lead with 2:23 left in the game, but the Sky managed to come back and take the lead.
Turning Point
The turning point in the game came when Atkins answered Ionescu’s free throws with a runner in the lane, drew a foul, and then made one from the free-throw line to give Chicago the lead for good with 1:35 remaining. The Liberty struggled to close the game, going 0 for 4 from the field with a turnover as the Sky closed on an 8-0 run.
Game Statistics
The Sky scored a season-high 52 points in the paint and shot 50% (31 of 62) from the field. Cardoso’s performance was particularly impressive, making 8 of 9 from the field, hitting 6 of 6 from the free-throw line, and having five assists. The Liberty, who lead the WNBA in made 3-pointers, were 10 of 20 from 3-point range in the first half but hit just 3 of 17 (18%) after halftime.
Injury Update
The Liberty played without Breanna Stewart, who was out with a knee injury. The team’s upcoming schedule includes a road game against Atlanta, while the Sky will host Connecticut on Saturday.
Conclusion
The Chicago Sky’s win over the New York Liberty marked a significant turnaround for the team, ending their five-game losing streak. The performance of Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese was crucial in securing the win. As both teams move forward with their respective schedules, they will look to build on this game’s outcome.
FAQs
- Q: Who led the Chicago Sky in points and rebounds?
A: Kamilla Cardoso led with 22 points and 16 rebounds. - Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The Chicago Sky beat the New York Liberty 91-85. - Q: Who made a career-high tying five 3-pointers for the Liberty?
A: Jonquel Jones. - Q: What is the Liberty’s next game?
A: The Liberty plays Atlanta on the road. - Q: What is the Sky’s next game?
A: The Sky hosts Connecticut on Saturday.
