The Chicago Sky return to Wintrust Arena following the FIBA break to face the Washington Mystics on Thursday, Sept. 17, in their second meeting of the season. Chicago looks to even the series at 1-1 in its second-to-last home contest after falling by 17 points in their previous matchup against Washington. The Sky trails the all-time series 35-41.

The Sky fell to the Mystics 90-72 in their first game of the series on June 2. Sydney Taylor was at the helm of Chicago’s scoring, cashing 15 points and four steals on a 46% clip from the field in her 20 minutes off the bench. Kamilla Cardoso put up a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double, combined with five assists and six blocks. Skylar Diggins added 14 points and made six of her seven attempts from the free-throw line, while Elizabeth Williams chipped in 10 points, six rebounds and three assists.

2022 All-Rookie Shakira Austin led all Washington scorers with 17 points, eight rebounds and three steals, while two-time All-Star Kiki Iriafen achieved her fourth double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Washington built an effective offensive performance in this outing despite losing leading scorer Sonia Citron, who missed the first game of her career with an ankle injury. Citron is currently averaging 16.8 points per game this season but is out again for this second matchup.

Despite heading into Thursday’s game off a loss before the FIBA break, the 24-16 Mystics have clinched a playoff berth and are headed to the postseason. Iriafen continues to establish herself as a strong presence in the post for Washington, ranking third in the league in rebounding and averaging 9.4 boards per game, tying A’ja Wilson. Boosted by Iriafen’s efforts, the Mystics lead the league in average total rebounds, with 37.6 per contest. On offense, Austin ties Citron in average scoring with 16.8 per game, while Iriafen follows close behind with 15.8 points per game and shoots 50.8% from the field.

The game between the Sky and the Mystics tips off on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. CT in Wintrust Arena and will be broadcast locally on the U.