The Chicago Sky dropped its second match of the season against the Los Angeles Sparks by a score of 81-72 after a fourth quarter Chicago comeback fell short.
Even with the loss, general manager and head coach Amber Stocks said she saw some positives from her team.
“You saw some great basketball play on both ends, but especially with our team,” Stocks said.
“They were moving the basketball, playing well together, attacking the rim, and what was most evident today was the energy and passion inside of the arena ignited by our entire team. Those sitting on the sidelines gave great energy and excitement to their teammates on the court, and that was contagious.”
The Sky trailed 61-45 after three quarters, but managed to claw back into the game and outscored the Sparks 27-20 in the fourth. Guard Jamierra Faulkner’s 13 fourth-quarter points were not enough to complete the comeback. She finished with a team-high 19 points.
“The plan was to get to the rim from the beginning,” Faulkner said. “I guess I just stuck with the plan and it worked out. But we have to get stops, like coach was saying. They got up on us because we didn’t get stops and turnovers. Towards the end of the game we started getting stops, we have to do that the whole 40 minutes.”
Los Angeles had four of five starters score in double-figures, including guard Chelsea Gray leading the team with 21 points and six assists.
The Sky played without center Stefanie Dolson for the sixth consecutive game, who is battling a strained tendon. Chicago is back in action at 6:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday against Elena DelleDonne and the Washington Mystics.