WNBA: Signs of progress within the Sky’s seventh-straight loss

Despite the absence of critical talent in Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins, the Chicago Sky seemed poised for a fair Friday night match against the Golden State Valkyries, who were also missing top talent in Monique Billings and Kayla Thornton.

From the opening tip, that competitiveness was on display as both teams exchanged leads, with neither side really holding onto the momentum. By the end of the first half, the game was tied at 37.

In the third quarter, the Sky started to find their niche. Chicago went on a 15-6 run due to shooting well, protecting the ball and crashing the boards, resulting in a lead that grew to as many as eight points. At the end of the third quarter, the Valkyries made a run to cut the Sky’s lead down to 54-52.

Then the fourth quarter unfolded. The Valkyries went on a tear as they outscored the Sky 21-12 to secure the 73-66 victory. Missed shots and opportunities did Chicago in, even when they found themselves on the verge of coming back.

The most notable moment came in the waning moments of the fourth quarter when Kia Nurse got the ball in transition and had a good look for a layup. But, she decided to give it to Elizabeth Williams with a no-look pass. The ball got away and the Sky had to foul, forcing Golden State to the free throw line.

As a result, the Sky lost their seventh-consecutive game. Nevertheless, there were a few rays of sun beaming through the clouds:

Limited turnovers

For a team that has struggled all season long with handling the ball, the Sky finished the game with only 10 turnovers. Not only that, they only gave up 14 points off of turnovers.

Kia Nurse’s all-around performance

Despite the mishap at the end of the game, Nurse was a noted presence at both ends of the floor. In the first half, she really carried the team on her shoulders with some big shots and solid facilitation. Altogether, Nurse had 10 points and seven assists.

Rachel Banham’s playmaking

For a player who is more content with shooting the ball, Banham has become a consistent and trusted presence at the point guard poisition. She demonstrated that against the Valkyries by equaling Nurse with seven assists, in addition to the 14 points to her name. Banham also grabbed five rebounds.

The duo of Kamilla Cardoso and Elizabeth Williams

The sophomore and the veteran teamed up to control the middle. Both finished efficiently, crashed the boards and played with physicality. Cardoso secured a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. She also shot a team-high 66.7 percent from the field. Williams had a team-high 15 points. She added eight rebounds as she shot 58.3 percent from the field.

The veteran Williams has taken on the role of mentor for Cardoso, recognizing that she’s coming into her own. Williams shared after the game:

I think Mil’s also done a good job of taking some initiative herself. We live together before the games—me, her and Kia. I think that that just speaks to the mindset she’s trying to have, and being around us and doing the right thing. So I think she’s just going to continue to get better. I thought she communicated really well. It’s a tough team that plays with five shooters, and I thought she did what she could and she’ll continue to get better