Angel Reese’ historic performance on Sunday led the Chicago Sky to a decisive 78-66 win over the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena.
In a game filled with standout moments, Reese achieved a career milestone-her first-ever triple-double-while contributing significantly to her team’s success. With 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, Reese not only helped her team secure their third victory of the season but also marked an important personal achievement.
While Reese’s triple-double was the clear highlight of the game, it wasn’t the only notable performance. The Chicago Sky bench had an exceptional outing, contributing to the dominant win. Hailey Van Lith led the charge from the reserves, scoring a career-high 16 points in just 24 minutes on the floor.
Van Lith’s performance was vital in keeping the team ahead, especially with the Sky’s bench outscoring the Sun’s reserves 36-2 in total.
Reese’s 11 assists were particularly significant, as they were more than double her previous career high, showcasing her growth and playmaking abilities. Her versatility as both a scorer and facilitator helped spread the floor and created numerous opportunities for her teammates.
Alongside Reese, Kia Nurse had an excellent game, adding 11 points on perfect shooting (4-of-4), including three made three-pointers. Kamilla Cardoso and Ariel Atkins also made contributions, each adding 10 points, proving the team’s depth in both the starting lineup and off the bench.
In addition, Rachel Banham hit a milestone during the game by making her 300th career three-pointer, marking another achievement for the Chicago Sky. The Sky’s bench players continued to prove their importance, delivering an exceptional team effort that helped propel the Sky to victory.
Sky take control in second half
The game was competitive throughout the first half, with both teams shooting at a similar rate-each making six three-pointers and shooting 40% from the field.
The Sky managed to take a slight lead into halftime with an advantage of 38-36, largely due to their perfect 8-of-8 shooting from the free-throw line. At that point, Marina Mabrey was the only Sun player in double figures, with 16 points to her name.
After the break, the Sun briefly took a 47-44 lead early in the third quarter, thanks to a Mabrey three-pointer and two free throws from Tina Charles. However, the Sky quickly regained control, as Reese and Michaela Onyenwere each converted three-point plays, pushing the lead back to 51-48. The Sky continued to build on their advantage, finishing the third quarter with a 59-54 lead.
In the final frame, the Sun couldn’t find a way to close the gap. The Sky’s balanced team effort and bench depth were too much for Connecticut to overcome, securing the Sky’s 12-point victory.
This win not only solidified Angel Reese’s place as a force in the league but also showcased the Chicago Sky’s well-rounded team play. With contributions from all areas of the roster, the Sky look poised to continue building momentum for the rest of the season.
Read the full article here
