Sky Town has been counting down to the Chicago Sky’s preseason home opener, and let me tell you — it did not disappoint. This game served up a preview of what could be a thrilling new era for the Sky. Only downside? Getting seated next to a loud Minnesota Lynx fan. But hey, Sky Town is loud too, and with the Sky holding the lead for most of the game, it was all love.
Talk about a reunion! Courtney Vandersloot is back in a Sky jersey, and the crowd lost it as soon as she hit the court. Her ball-handling? Still as smooth as ever. That poise and control are exactly what this retooled Sky team needs this season.
From the jump, Kamilla Cardosa and Sloot looked like a dynamic duo. Cardosa came in hot, dropping the team’s first four points and using her size to dominate in the paint. You can see the work she’s put into her body control, and with Sloot’s veteran leadership, those two could be a serious problem for the rest of the league.
And birthday girl Angel Reese? She celebrated in style with nine points, nine rebounds, and some serious footwork. You know we love some good footwork in Chicago — ayyyye! Her growth is already evident, and her ceiling? Sky high.
Meanwhile, Ariel Atkins and Kia Nurse brought the fireworks in the first half with back-to-back threes. This new Sky lineup is stacked with shooters, and they’re not shy about letting it fly. With a roster overhaul, it’s going to take a minute to get used to all the new faces, but if tonight was any indication, this squad is going to be dangerous.
And let’s talk about the comeback queen: Elizabeth Williams. After missing last season with an injury, she’s back and showing exactly why we missed her. Six points, perfect three-for-three shooting in just 16 minutes — she picked up right where she left off. Welcome back, E!
One of the most exciting changes? The pace. The Sky is running the floor, pushing the tempo, and moving the ball faster. Rookie Hailey Van Lith is starting to get comfortable too, dishing out 10 assists with zero turnovers over the last two games. Not bad for a rookie. Definitely keep an eye on her. And with Morgan Bertsch, Jessika Carter, and Maddy Westbeld battling it out for that final roster spot, the competition is hot.
We hit the fourth quarter tied, and things got intense. Jessika Carter came up clutch with a huge block, setting up Alex Wilson’s fast-break three-pointer in the final two minutes. Our three-point shooting? Sixteen threes over two games. If the Sky can keep up that kind of volume and efficiency, this season could get real interesting.
Bottom line? The Sky took down last year’s Finals team, the Minnesota Lynx, in this preseason matchup, and they’re just getting started. It may be preseason, but if tonight’s game is any indication, this team is hungry, fast, and ready to make some serious noise.
Sky Town, buckle up — we’re just getting warmed up!
