The Chicago Sky finished the 2024 season on a 5-game losing skid, ending a run for the playoffs with an 87-54 loss to the Connecticut Sun Thursday to finish 10th in the WNBA standings. 

“I hate losing. Hate it. Hate knowing I’m not going back into the gym with these young ladies in the morning,” head coach Teresa Weatherspoon said after the loss.

The Sky were without 3 of their starting 5 due to injury: Angel Reese (wrist), Kamilla Cardoso (shoulder) and Chennedy Carter (foot). They were also without Diamond DeShields (ankle) to end the season along with Elizabeth Williams (knee), who has been out since early in the WNBA season.

“Battling through what we battled through with injuries, it wasn’t fair to anybody for what we went through,” Isabelle Harrison said after the game. “Just being better the next time you step on the court and addressing the things you could’ve done better in the following year.”

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“It was a rollercoaster ride,” Dana Evans said. “We went through so much. Injury after injury, getting sick. That’s no excuse but it was hard. It was a rough season just all around.”

Turnovers were the Achilles’ heel yet again with the Sky as they allowed 25 points off 16 turnovers. They also lacked power on the glass with the Sun outrebounding them 37-24 in the contest. Connecticut had 6 players finish in double-digit scoring with DiJonai Carrington finishing with a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Harrison stepped up in the post for the Sky, finishing with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. Evans and Kaela Davis were the only other Sky players who finished in double-digit scoring with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

“I love this game so much,” Weatherspoon said. “Losing irritates the crap out of me, but it motivates me. It’s going to motivate this team.”

This loss ended a streak of 5 straight postseason appearances with the Sky finishing 13-27 on the season. The Sky already made a move towards the future with the re-signing of Williams to a 1-year contract extension before Thursday’s season finale.

This also puts the Sky in position for a lottery pick for the 2025 WNBA Draft. What the draft and player protection will look like for teams across the league still remains to be seen with 2025 being an expansion draft with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries.