Sky share the wealth to outlast Dream in overtime
Azurá Stevens swatted the ball out of Atlanta’s Naz Hillmon’s hands as she went for a shot with the clock winding down, sending the game into overtime tied at 91. Stevens, Kahleah Copper and Allie Quigley knocked down crucial three-pointers in overtime that helped push the Sky over the Dream, 106-100.
“She’s a unicorn for us,” head coach James Wade said after the game. “For her to just step in and pick up where she left off, it’s been an amazing ride for her. That three that she made signified what she is for us. She’s a clutch player.”
The Sky shot lights out in the first half, 58.6 percent from the floor and 55 percent from the three point line, leading by as much as 18 but closing the half with a 56-42 lead. However, it was the third quarter where the Dream started to chip away by causing turnovers and getting starters into a bit of foul trouble.
“We were a little too schematic,” Wade said. “I thought our schemes were great but at one point they started playing us one-on-one. I think we got bored standing in front of the ball. When do that against a team that’s just playing with all the freedom, they’re going to just keep on driving downhill.”
Copper finished with a double-double with a game-high 23 points and 10 rebounds. Stevens finished with 15 points while Quigley finished with 17 points.
The Sky had to share the wealth with Candace Parker on the bench due to a knee injury. Chicago had six total players in double digits, including Emma Meesseman putting up her second consecutive double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
“I think we have bench players that could go to other teams and be starters,” Copper said after the game. “That’s what makes our team special is what we have and everybody takes pride in their role. It could be anybody’s day. That’s what makes us so good. I just love that about this team.”
The Sky head back on the road for another three-game road trip with the first stop in Indiana to take on the Fever. Tip time is set for 2 p.m. on Marquee Plus.