Home Team: Las Vegas Aces
Away Team: Chicago Sky
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
When is Game Time? Thursday, July 5 at 9:00 p.m. CT
Where can I stream or watch on TV? League Pass, The U Too, and AT&T Sportsnet – Rocky Mountain
Chicago lost a tough game in Dallas on July 3. The game was tied nine times, and had nine lead changes. The Sky led the game in fast-break points, but the Wings won the game, led by center Liz Cambage’s 37 points and 10 rebounds. Next, the Sky will face the Aces in Las Vegas.
Facing the Aces
The Las Vegas Aces are in a new state with a new name and a new coach this season. Overall, Chicago has a 15-12 record against the Aces. Last season, the Sky won the series 2-1.
This year, Las Vegas and Chicago will play a three-game series. In the first matchup on June 3, rookie forward A’ja Wilson scored 22 points, and three other Aces players scored in double digits. Chicago stepped up to win without starting guard Allie Quigley and starting center Stefanie Dolson. Forward Diamond DeShields had 25 points, forward Cheyenne Parker earned a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Guards Jamierra Faulkner and Courtney Vandersloot also scored in double-digits, and forward Gabby Williams grabbed 10 more rebounds for the Sky.
Currently, Chicago ranks No. 9 with a record of 6-11, and Las Vegas is right behind them in 10th place at 6-12. This is a must-win series for both teams as they make efforts to advance to the playoffs.
Players to watch
Diamond DeShields
In the Sky’s last game, DeShields earned 20 points, four rebounds, and two assists in the loss to Dallas. This season, she has scored in double-digits 11 times, and 20 or more points five times. In her last five games, DeShields has consistently scored in double-digits, so Chicago will need her to continue being aggressive on offense in this crucial game against Las Vegas.
Courtney Vandersloot
Vandersloot has been a veteran leader on the court for the Sky. She is No. 1 in the WNBA for assists at 7.4 per game. Along with her assists, she scored in double-digits in four of the last five games and the guard recorded a season-high three steals in the last game against the Wings.
Allie Quigley
In the last six games, Quigley has scored in double-digits, and four of those games she scored over 20 points. The guard currently ranks No. 5 in the WNBA for three-point percentage at 46.3 percent. This will be Quigley’s first game against the Aces this season, and the Sky will need her to continue the elite scoring to come away with a win.