The Chicago Sky defeated the New York Liberty 93-86 in Wintrust Arena on Tuesday, Aug. 18. After two one-point losses earlier in the season against New York, the Sky got it back on their home floor.

Natasha Cloud stuffed the stat sheet with a career-best 35 points along with nine rebounds, and six assists. She is the first Sky player ever with 35+ points, 5+ rebounds and 5+ assists. After scoring 16 points in the first half, Cloud erupted for 19 more after halftime, including a deep three with 3:40 remaining that broke her season high with four three pointers made for the night. 

Cloud and Courtney Vandersloot paired to get the Sky rolling early in the game, with the pair connecting on three treys on three consecutive possessions to bring the Sky up big in the second quarter.

Vandersloot, who is in the midst of an amazing comeback season following an injury last year, scored eight points and dished out six assists to round out Chicago’s highest scorers.

Sydney Taylor made her return to the floor in the contest, contributing nine points, three assists and two steals. Taylor’s game back marks her first since Aug. 3. She is the Sky’s all-time rookie leader for three-pointers made (60) and is second among all rookies in threes made. 

In tonight’s game, the Sky recorded 20 second-chance points and were aggressive on the boards, pulling down 44 rebounds as a team in a strong defensive effort. With 1:17 left on the clock Cloud tied her previous best of 31 points on a jumper from near the free-throw line to break the tied game and give Chicago an 86-84 lead. Kamilla Cardoso, who finished with 17-point, 12-rebound double-double, recorded one of the clutchest shots of her young career on a driving layup with 39.9 seconds left off an assist from Cloud. The Sky’s veteran guard then sealed the win by going 4 of 4 at the free-throw line in the last 15.9 seconds of the game. 

Cardoso’s game marked her 13th double-double of the season and she added four assists, two steals and a block. Cardoso is logging her highest statistical output of the season so far in August, averaging 15.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 27.5 minutes per game this month so far. 

Azurá Stevens added 12 points and seven rebounds for the Sky. She had 10 first quarter points to pace the Sky early.

The Liberty saw four players reach double figures in tonight’s matchup. Eight-time All-Star Breanna Stewart posted a team-high 22 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Sabrina Ionescu recorded her third double-double of the season with 18 points and 12 assists. Forward Rebecca Allen scored 14 points, pulled down five rebounds and tallied two steals. Rounding out the scoring, center Han Xu finished the night with 12 points and seven rebounds.