On Thursday, the Chicago Sky experienced a mixed bag of results against the New York Liberty. Angel Reese, the standout rookie, continued her remarkable streak of double-doubles, extending it to 15 consecutive games with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Her achievement garnered significant attention on social media, showcasing her resilience and consistency amidst tough competition.
However, despite Reese’s individual success, the Sky faced disappointment as they squandered a double-digit lead, ultimately succumbing to a 91-76 defeat at the Barclays Center.
This loss dropped Chicago’s record to 9-13 for the season, contrasting sharply with New York’s league-leading 19-4 record. Previously, Chicago had been the only team to defeat the Liberty at home this season, but they couldn’t replicate that feat in this encounter.
Reese’s performance was a bright spot amidst the loss, although she struggled with her shooting efficiency against New York’s formidable frontcourt.
The game highlighted the disparity between the two teams, with New York showcasing their depth and star power, including players like Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu, who collectively dominated the court.
The contest saw a dynamic start from Chicago, led by Chennedy Carter and Marina Mabrey, who helped the Sky establish an early double-digit advantage.
However, New York rallied back before halftime with a 14-3 run, erasing Chicago’s lead and setting the stage for their eventual dominance in the second half. Ionescu, Fiebich, and others stepped up for the Liberty, while Chicago struggled to keep pace, especially from beyond the arc.
Despite moments of resilience, including Reese’s return from injury scare and her late-game contributions, Chicago couldn’t bridge the gap created by New York’s sharpshooting and interior presence.
The game underscored New York’s status as a powerhouse in the WNBA, leaving Chicago with lessons to learn ahead of their rematch on Saturday, where Reese will aim to extend her record-breaking streak to 16 double doubles.
