Turnover issues loom large as Sky host Sparks

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th May, 18:57 2024

May 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans (11) shoots a free throw against the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Turnovers plagued the Chicago Sky in a home loss on Tuesday while the Los Angeles Sparks prevailed elsewhere despite them.

Limiting miscues will be the goal for both teams Thursday as the Sparks (2-4) visit the Sky (2-3).

Chicago committed 21 turnovers during Tuesday's 77-68 home loss to Seattle, a key factor to the Sky trailing by as many as 19, then fading again after a fourth-quarter rally.

"Some of it was indecision," center Elizabeth Williams said. "When you're indecisive and you're not aggressive, good things don't typically happen. For us, it's just playing with confidence, learning each other and being a bit more decisive."

Los Angeles coach Curt Miller cited his team's developing cohesion as a reason behind its 19 turnovers at Indiana on Tuesday.

Playing four games in seven days as the Sparks are lends little time to practice.

"With a lot of new pieces and a lot of new players, (with) plays sometimes, they forget the timing of it and they've just got to continue to keep working and playing with each other that way," Miller said.

In-game adjustments helped the Sparks rally from a seven-point, third-quarter deficit against the Fever to win 88-82. Kia Nurse (22 points) and Aari McDonald (season-best 21) led the attack.

"Some big, big plays by multiple people -- offensively and defensively -- in stretches in that fourth quarter, so really proud of our unit," Miller said.

Chicago is rounding into health, especially in the frontcourt. Sidelined by a knee injury for the first four games, Isabelle Harrison played 10 minutes against Seattle. Chicago expects rookie Kamilla Cardoso to make her WNBA debut on Saturday after she injured her shoulder in preseason.

Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon said Cardoso's size and versatility provides "an opportunity to have different offensive sets."

Until then, "we're Chicago," guard Chennedy Carter said. "We're small. We're quick. That's an easy way for us to score, so we've got to get into transition a little bit more."

All while protecting the ball.

--Field Level Media

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