Sky rout Fire behind balanced attack, snap 6-game skid

Field Level Media|published: Wed 24th June, 22:37 2026

Jun 24, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) celebrates a three point basket against the Portland Fire during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Skylar Diggins scored 15 points and Sydney Taylor and Jacy Sheldon added 14 apiece as the host Chicago Sky routed the Portland Fire 101-78 on Wednesday to end a six-game losing streak.

Seven Chicago players scored in double figures, with Azura Stevens notching a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Kamilla Cardoso added 13 points, eight boards and two blocks.

Portland (8-10) trailed by as many as 27 points while losing for the sixth time in eight games. Megan Gustafson led the Fire with a game-high 17 points while Sarah Ashlee Barker chipped in 13.

Chicago had lost 11 of 12 since winning three of four to begin the season. The Sky (5-12) earned their first victory since June 5 thanks to an aggressive approach that guided them to a 23-for-29 effort from the free-throw line.

The Sky collected 27 assists on 36 made field goals, led by six assists from Diggins.

Gabriela Jaquez and Aicha Coulibaly had 10 points each for Chicago. Emily Engstler and Carla Leite scored 10 apiece for Portland.

Gustafson hit a jumper to tie the game at 50 with 5:56 remaining in the third quarter, as the Sky came out of the locker room on a shooting slump.

Chicago regained its rhythm soon enough, responding with a 15-2 run over the next 2:34. Attacking the basket was key for the Sky during their spurt, as the run started with three made free throws and concluded with Cardoso's three-point play on a driving layup.

Diggs contributed eight of Chicago's points in the run.

Portland was unable to recover as the double-digit deficit only grew.

Sparked by 45.2% shooting, the Sky took a 46-39 lead into halftime, benefiting from a balanced attack led by Taylor (12 points) and Cardoso (eight).

Barker had 11 first-half points for Portland while Gustafson followed with 10.

Leite finished with six assists.

Taylor has scored in double figures in five straight games.

Chicago secured the season series against Portland as the teams prepare to meet again at Wintrust Arena on Friday night.

The visiting Sky topped the expansion Fire on May 9 in the first game for the franchise.

--Field Level Media