The Phoenix Mercury delivered an impressive performance against the Chicago Sky on Saturday afternoon, winning decisively with a score of 107-86 at Wintrust Arena. The match was marked by a challenging outing for Sky forward Angel Reese, who struggled significantly, managing only nine points and posting a career-low two rebounds. This was a stark contrast to her usual dominance on the boards, where she averages 11 rebounds per game. In a game where the Sky faced considerable adversity, Reese’s contribution was minimal, highlighted by her completing only a single shot attempt through the match.
The team’s overall performance further emphasized their struggles, as the Sky collectively secured only 22 rebounds throughout the game. With this defeat, the Sky’s record fell to 3-9, indicating they have lost five of their last six games, raising questions about their ability to turn the season around. On a brighter note for the Sky, Kamilla Cardoso and Michaela Onyenwere both managed to score 17 points each, though it wasn’t enough to change the outcome of the game significantly amidst the persistent struggles of their teammates.
In contrast, the Mercury showcased exceptional shooting prowess and team play, setting a franchise record for the most three-pointers made in a single game with 17 successful attempts. Sami Whitcomb was a notable contributor, hitting five of those three-pointers and finishing with a total of 17 points. This shooting success was not limited to just one player, as the team saw contributions from several members, with six different players making at least two three-pointers—a feat that tied the WNBA’s single-game record for team three-pointers made.
The Mercury’s offensive metrics were impressive overall, as they made 35 of 68 shots from the field, translating into a shooting percentage that reflected their dominance. Additionally, they converted 17 of 35 from beyond the arc and succeeded on 20 of 24 free-throw attempts, culminating in 25 assists for the game. This level of teamwork and efficiency showcased their offensive capabilities, further solidifying their position in the league.
As a result of their recent performances, the Mercury extended their winning streak to five games, improving their season record to an impressive 11-4. This streak highlights their growing momentum as they prepare for their next matchup against the New York Liberty on Friday. Meanwhile, the Sky are looking to regroup and recover from this challenging loss; they are set to face the Atlanta Dream in their next game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, hoping to regain some footing in their season.
In summary, the game exemplified a significant moment for both teams, with the Mercury demonstrating their strengths while the Sky continued to face obstacles. As the season progresses, the next games will be crucial for both teams, with the Mercury aiming to maintain their success and the Sky striving to turn their fortunes around and reclaim their competitive edge in the league.
