With its fourth consecutive appearance in the playoffs, the Chicago Sky will look to adjust to the new single-elimination format on Sunday, September 25 against the Atlanta Dream. With a 7-3 record in its last ten games of the season and an overall record of 18-16, the Sky earned a bye to the second round.
The only time Chicago and Atlanta have met in the playoffs was in the 2014 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Each team grabbed a win in the first two games of the series. However, in the third contest, the Sky had a huge comeback in the fourth quarter to defeat the Dream and proceed to the Eastern Conference Finals. Elena Delle Donne contributed 34 points, with 17 of those being in the fourth quarter to propel the Sky to their victory.
During the 2016 regular season, the Dream defeated the Sky 2-1. The Sky kept within three baskets or less in its two losses against the Dream. In addition, Atlanta was within four baskets during the August 26 loss to Chicago, making all three games close calls. In all three games against the Sky this season, Angel McCoughtry scored 20 or more points that have contributed to the Dream’s overall success. Another contender to lookout for is Elizabeth Williams, the 2016 WNBA Most Improved player and the Dream’s leading rebounder and blocker with 16.0 rebounds per game.
Cappie Pondexter, who is entering her seventh WNBA postseason, increased her scoring production after the Olympic break; Pondexter averaged 11.4 points in the 24 games prior to the break and boosted her average to 16.8 points in the Sky’s final 10 games. Tamera Young also improved Chicago’s offensive attack post-Olympic break, as she recorded two games with 20 points or more in September.
Tip-off for the second round of the 2016 WNBA Playoffs presented by Verizon featuring the Chicago Sky and the Atlanta Dream is scheduled for 12 p.m. CDT at Allstate Arena. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 866.SKY.WNBA or visiting www.chicagosky.net.