By Caitlin Nicholson

The Chicago Sky defeated the Connecticut Sun, 88-64, marking their largest margin of victory this season with a stellar performance on both ends of the floor. Chicago set the tone early and never looked back, controlling the pace and outmatching Connecticut in every facet of the game.

The Sky saw five players score in double figures, with Angel Reese (18), Kamilla Cardoso (16), Kia Nurse (12), Rachel Banham (10) and Elizabeth Williams (10) combined to score 66 of the Sky’s 88 points.

The Sky opened with a 23-8 run in the first quarter, seizing a lead they would hold for the rest of the night. Their defense swarmed Connecticut into rushed shots and turnovers, recording three blocks in the first quarter, while the offense clicked with efficient ball movement and transition scoring. Led by commanding performances from Cardoso and Reese, the Sky dominated in points in the paint, being aggressive to the basket, instead of settling for outside shots. The Sky shot an impressive 51.7% from the field by the end of the first half, while holding Connecticut to a mere 30.3%.

Chicago continued their authoritative play into the second half, going on another 16-6 run in the middle of the third quarter. After back-to-back threes from Kia Nurse, the Sky stretched their lead to 23, carrying a 70-47 advantage into the final two minutes of the period. Despite a brief push from the Sun to chip away at the deficit in the fourth quarter, the Sky held strong to finish out the game with a convincing win, shooting 46.7% from three and 47.7% from the field, while forcing 16 Connecticut turnovers. 

For Connecticut, Tina Charles led all scorers with 19 points and two rebounds, passing Diana Taurasi for most field goals made in WNBA history along the way. Saniya Rivers recorded 16 points and two rebounds, while Lindsay Allen chipped in eight points, four rebounds, a steal and a block. Leila Lacan also added eight points, three rebounds, a steal and a block. 

For Chicago, Reese recorded her 23rd double-double of the season with 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and four steals. Cardoso contributed 16 points, five rebounds and three blocks, while Nurse added 12 points and three rebounds. Elizabeth Williams and Rachel Banham each chipped in 10 points, with Williams also tallying a steal and a block, and Banham adding four assists and a rebound.

Overall, the Sky dominated the Sun from start to finish, excelling on both ends of the floor. With 33 points from the bench, a 40‑28 edge in the paint, and over 20 points off of turnovers, Chicago’s depth and physicality were on full display, leaving Connecticut struggling to keep pace. The Sky will look to carry this momentum into their next game when they head to Indianapolis to face the Fever on Friday, Sept. 5 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.