The Chicago Sky played their home opener on Wednesday against the Dallas Wings.
They, of course, were without Rickea Jackson, recently lost to a season-ending ACL injury.
Therefore, the Sky were put to the test to see who could fill the void left by their leading scorer, who averaged 18.0 points per game. Chicago also faced the challenge of trying to get the most out of a thin, injury-plagued group, while still trying to forge
chemistry among new players.
After a strong first half, which included leading by as many as 11 points in the first quarter, the Sky faltered in the second half as the Wings’ backcourt of Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale and Azzi Fudd, plus forward Jessica Shepard, stopped them in their tracks. They hit big shots down the stretch as the Sky’s defense completely faltered.
The Sky were outscored 34-26 in the third quarter, contributing to their 99-89 loss.
Bueckers finished with 24 points. Ogunbowale came away with 23 points, including hitting two big 3-pointers late in the fourthh quarter, just when the Sky were within reach. Fudd finished with 12 points, and Shepard came away with a triple-double of 18 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
Nevertheless, the Sky did have a select few standouts and kept them in the game.
Kamilla Cardoso finished with a 24 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 10-for-14 from the field. She achieved her second consecutive double-double and third of the season.
Natasha Cloud provided a spark at both ends as she finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Skylar Diggins facilitated the offense and walked away with 15 points and four assists. Rookie Gabriela Jaquez stepped into the 4 spot for Jackson in the starting rotation and excelled with 12 points and five rebounds.
Head coach Tyler Marsh said afterward that he was impressed with Jaquez’s performance:
I thought she was aggressive when she needed to be. I would imagine that she is probably feeling like she could have played better. I think we probably kept that collective feeling as a team, but she was aggressive on both ends.
I think there’s room for improvement across the board, but we know she’s fearless. We know she’s gonna go out and compete, so you’re always proud of that and the effort that she gives. She never short-changes you there.
Meanwhile, Cardoso expressed optimism about the Sky moving right direction and continuing to fortify a unity with a new roster, saying after the game:
Since our first game, I think, our chemistry’s been there, and I’m excited, and yeah, we’re gonna have more time to work…and get more chemistry, but I think we’re doing a pretty good job so far.
