The second half of the WNBA season provides an opportunity to reset and refocus.
That even applies to the Chicago Sky, who still hold onto playoff hopes despite being one of three teams with single-digit wins entering Thursday’s game against the Connecticut Sun.
Chicago (9-18) stands six games out of the eighth and final postseason spot with 17 to play.
Thursday’s meeting with the Sun (7-21) kicks off a five-game homestand for the Sky, who won two straight at Wintrust Arena before dropping two road contests.
“We have a long home stretch coming. We want to be present,” Sky coach Tyler Marsh said. “We want to take advantage of what’s in front of us and treat this second part of the season as a new season.”
One notable area for improvement on Chicago’s proverbial performance review: Executing in crunch time. Eleven of the team’s losses have come by eight points or less.
Chicago closed the second half with road losses at Atlanta and New York by three points combined.
“Staying disciplined,” said rookie guard Sydney Taylor, who has scored in double figures in seven straight games. “Most of (the losses) were due to foul calls and bad fouls on our part.”
Connecticut had a shorter All-Star break than the Sky, returning to action on Tuesday. Despite scoring 33 points in the first quarter — a team best for any quarter this season — the Sun were unable to maintain the momentum in a 92-84 loss at Washington.
Aneesah Morrow (21 points) and Olivia Nelson-Ododa (16 points, six rebounds) kept Connecticut afloat. Washington aimed to force the Sun to the outside while limiting their paint touches. Connecticut met the challenge, shooting 11-for-25 from deep.
“Tough loss, but we have to learn from that and be ready to play against the same kind of game plan against Chicago,” Sun coach Rachid Meziane said.
Thursday’s winner will earn at least a split of the season series. The home team prevailed in the previous two meetings, including an 85-80 Sky victory on June 5. Connecticut is set to host Chicago on Aug. 25.
–Field Level Media
