Mercury Rises Above a Struggling Sky
Tuesday night’s WNBA clash between the Phoenix Mercury and the Chicago Sky at PHX Arena was a rollercoaster. Honestly, I wasn't expecting such a dramatic turnaround.
A Strong Start for Chicago, Then the Tide Turns
The Sky, desperately trying to shake off a brutal start to their season, came out firing. Angel Reese, a standout rookie, immediately made her presence felt, dropping seven points in the first quarter. Ariel Atkins also played a crucial role, consistently contributing on offense. This helped Chicago build a 21-17 lead heading into the second.
While Reese was quieter in the second, Atkins kept the pressure on, scoring an impressive 14 points in the first half. The Sky maintained their lead, going into halftime up 44-38. I was thinking, "This could be their night!" But, you know how these games go...
Phoenix's Fiery Comeback
Chicago started the third quarter strong, going on a 9-0 run and extending their lead to double digits. It looked like they were about to take control, but the Mercury, fueled by the electrifying Satou Sabally, had other plans. Phoenix clawed their way back, trimming the deficit to just four points by the end of the third. The atmosphere shifted; the energy in the arena was palpable.
The fourth quarter was all Phoenix. They completely flipped the script. Sabally, along with a stellar performance from rookie Kitija Laksa (who put up a season-high 18 points!), led the charge. The Mercury’s comeback culminated in a 94-89 victory, giving Chicago their fourth straight loss and leaving them with a dismal 0-4 record for the season. Ouch.
Key Players and Performances
- Phoenix Mercury: Satou Sabally (20 points, 8 rebounds), Alyssa Thomas (10 points, 15 assists!), Kitija Laksa (18 points), and Monique Akoa Makani (13 points). Thomas's assist total moved her into 12th place all-time in WNBA history.
- Chicago Sky: Angel Reese (13 points, 15 rebounds), Ariel Atkins (21 points), Kamilla Cardoso (16 points, 9 rebounds), and Courtney Vandersloot (15 points, 11 assists).
A Westbeld Family Affair
This game also marked a unique family reunion. Sisters Kathryn Westbeld (Phoenix Mercury) and Maddy Westbeld (Chicago Sky) faced each other on the court. It's a pretty special moment for the family, and honestly, it's heartwarming to see such sibling rivalry.
Beyond the Scoreboard: The Ongoing Conversation About Fan Conduct
This game comes on the heels of an inconclusive WNBA investigation into allegations of racism during a previous game involving the Chicago Sky. Alyssa Thomas of the Mercury, having experienced fan misconduct herself, voiced her disappointment with the outcome of the investigation, while emphasizing the importance of player unity and support in addressing these issues. It's a complex situation, and it underscores the ongoing conversation surrounding fan behavior and inclusivity in the league.
Looking Ahead
The Mercury, now 4-1, face the unbeaten Minnesota Lynx next. The Sky, looking for their first win, head home to play the Dallas Wings. It's a long road ahead for both teams, with plenty of basketball left to play.
