The Chicago Sky dropped their home opener tonight to the reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty, but this wasn’t the kind of welcome party Skytown had in mind. Despite a gritty showing, the Sky were outpaced, outgunned, and ultimately overwhelmed, falling 99–74 in front of an electric home crowd hungry for a statement win.
From the opening tip, the Sky were off rhythm and off target. They shot just 31% from the field and left points all over the floor, especially at the rim, where missed layups piled up fast. Meanwhile, the Liberty arrived laser-focused and ready to light it up. They shot a searing 55.2% from the field and nearly 56% from the three, flexing the full weight of their championship resume and Eastern Conference dominance. Simply put: the Sky have to defend the perimeter, because against a team like New York, leaving the arc unguarded is a fast track to a disaster.
Veteran floor general and WNBA icon Courtney Vandersloot had flashes of her elite self, leading the Sky with 14 points, but it was an uphill climb from the jump. Shoutout to Rachel Banham, who caught fire late off the bench with five threes and gave the crowd something to cheer about, but the damage had been done. The Sky ended the night shooting an abysmal 36.2% with an astounding 23 turnovers.
Sophomore standout Angel Reese snatched a team-high 12 rebounds and battled on the boards with trademark toughness, but ice-cold on offense, finishing 0-for-8 from the floor. It wasn’t for lack of effort. Matched up against New York’s size and defensive length, she fought hard, but it was a grind. In a city that celebrates hustle, the Sky brought plenty, crashing for 36 rebounds, but couldn’t slow down the Liberty’s relentless offensive execution.
The Liberty showed exactly why they’re title favorites: deep bench, disciplined execution, and absolutely lethal shooting from beyond the arc. They brought the storm and made sure Chicago felt every drop of it.
Now for the hard truth: the Sky are sitting at a -60 point differential through just two games, the worst start by that stat in WNBA history. Tonight’s game exposed their inefficiency around the rim, missed post opportunities, and a lack of defensive urgency. Still, there are bright spots for the Sky in this rebuilding year and there’s no shortage of fight in this young roster. The frontcourt duo of Reese and Kamilla Cardoso has the potential to dominate for years. Hailey Van Lith is still figuring out her fit. Rebecca Allen is bringing vet versatility. And Sloot? She’s still the heartbeat of the squad. The ingredients are there it’s just going to take time to cook.
Tonight, the Liberty brought the storm. But this is Chicago. And Chicago doesn’t quit. It rebuilds. Refocuses. Reloads.
