Clinging to last playoff spot, Sky face last-place Sparks

Field Level Media|published: Thu 5th September, 19:33 2024

WNBA: Las Vegas Aces at Los Angeles Sparks

May 25, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Wilson official basketball with WNBA logo goes through the net during the game between the LA Sparks and the Las Vegas Aces at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Despite prolonged struggles and a midweek flight out of Las Vegas, everything still is coming up sevens for the Chicago Sky.

Chicago enters Friday's matchup with the visiting Los Angeles Sparks on a seven-game losing streak with seven games remaining in the regular season. While their WNBA counterparts have clinched the first seven playoff spots, the struggling Sky (11-22) hold a tiebreaker over the Atlanta Dream for the final slot.

The sense of urgency that set in for Chicago long ago isn't going away.

"This league is so good. If you soak in this loss ... you will not be good for the next game," Sky guard Dana Evans said. "So, we've just got to be ready to play. I mean, it doesn't stop. We don't give up. We're not going to quit. We want to get in the playoffs; that's obviously the goal. So just staying focused and staying together."

Chicago has lost seven straight for the first time since 2021. The latest defeat came at Las Vegas on Tuesday, as the Aces relied on an early scoring spree and late run for a 90-71 win.

Michaela Onyenwere (15 points), Kamilla Cardoso (14), Evans (13) and Angel Reese (12) scored in double figures for the Sky. Reese added 16 rebounds as her WNA rookie record for double-doubles grew to 25.

At 7-26, Los Angeles remains in slim mathematical playoff contention but trails Chicago, Atlanta, Washington and Dallas with two weeks remaining in the regular season.

The Sparks stopped a seven-game slide with a 94-88 win against league-leading New York on Aug. 28 but have lost two straight since -- against Atlanta and at Indiana.

"We always do some self-scouting. We'll always be in their ear with growth areas; with a young team, you have to," Sparks coach Curt Miller said. "They have to dig in with film as part of their growth."

Odyssey Sims paced LA with 20 points in Wednesday's 93-86 loss to the Fever. Azura Stevens posted a double-double of 13 points and 11 boards while Dearica Hamby and reserve Rae Burrell scored 16 points apiece.

Sky leading scorer Chennedy Carter (17.2 points per game) practiced Thursday, per reports. Carter hasn't played since Aug. 25 due to health and safety protocols.

--Field Level Media

Latest