After defeating the Atlanta Dream 108-98 at Allstate Arena in the second round of the playoffs, the Chicago Sky travel to Los Angeles to face the Sparks in the semifinal series beginning Wednesday, September 28.
The Sky will be the Sparks’ first playoff opponent thanks to the two-round bye Los Angeles earned with the second-best regular season record. The Sparks ended the regular season on a two-game winning streak against both the Phoenix Mercury and San Antonio Stars.
Courtney Vandersloot led the Sky in points with 21 in Chicago’s 108-98 victory over Atlanta on Sunday afternoon and has scored in double-digits in five of her last six games. Vandersloot capped off the night with 13 assists to complete a double-double. Jessica Breland will also look to continue her strong postseason play after a double-double of her own against the Dream (20 points, 16 rebounds). She set a personal playoff career high in points, rebounds, field goals made (10) and steals (3).
Chicago was swept by Los Angeles in the regular season, dropping all three matchups in the 2016 series. Chicago fell 77-67 at Allstate Arena on July 13. Elena Delle Donne led the Sky with 15 points followed by Allie Quigley and Cheyenne Parker with 13 and 10 points, respectively. Five Sparks scored in double figures, with Nneka Ogwumike pacing the visiting team with 20 points to go along with 11 rebounds. She connected on 10-of-11 field goals.
Game 2 of the semifinals will be held on Friday, September 30 at the Staples Center. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. CDT on ESPN2. The Sky will return to Allstate Arena for Game 3 on Sunday, October 2 for a 2 p.m. CT tip. Game 4, if needed, will take place on Tuesday, October 4 at Allstate Arena. Call 866.SKY.WNBA or visit CHICAGOSKY.NET to lock in your seats for the WNBA semifinals at Allstate Arena.