The Sky open with their first game post-All-Star break against the Connecticut Sun for the third time this season on Thursday, July 30 in Wintrust Arena. The teams have split the two-game season series to this point. On June 5, the Sky defeated the Sun 85-80, and on June 22, the Sky fell 92-63. 

In their most recent matchup, the Sky suffered a big loss after a series of close consecutive games against Atlanta, New York, Indiana and Dallas. Kamilla Cardoso was a standout that evening for the Sky, recording her sixth double-double (16 points, 14 rebounds) with a 50% (6 for 12) clip from the field. Sydney Taylor had continued her efficient scoring input with 10 points and two assists, while Skylar Diggins reached seventh on the WNBA's career made free throws list.

For the Sun, veteran Brittney Griner made history in her 22 minutes, with her fourth block of the game earning her the spot as the WNBA all-time blocks leader with 878. She additionally contributed 14 points and eight rebounds while shooting 60% (6 for 10) from the floor.

Other contributions included Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who registered a double-double (11 points, 15 rebounds) and rookie Charlisse Leger-Walker, who tallied 13 points and seven rebounds while going a perfect 4 for 4 from the charity stripe.

Despite that game, the Sky won in impressive fashion the first time the two teams squared off on June 5 in Wintrust Arena. That game marked the Sky’s first home win of the season. The Sky were outscored 25-11 in the first quarter but secured the come-from-behind win with several significant contributions.

Diggins led the team in scoring in that game, going for 24 points. Four other players reached double figures for the Sky, with Azurá Stevens securing a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double, Cardoso adding 10 points and eight boards, and Elizabeth Williams going for 10 points. Natasha Cloud stuffed the stat sheet in the win with 13 points, five assists and two steals.

With the Sun third in the league in steals (8.3 per game) and fourth in blocks (4.6 per game), the Sky will have to navigate a suffocating defense.

On the other end, considering the Sun fall last in both points (80.1) and three-point percentage (29%), Chicago should lean on pressuring Connecticut to rely on perimeter shooting and prohibit them from taking easy shots.