After snapping a six-game losing streak on Wednesday, the host Chicago Sky will try to keep clicking Friday night as they conclude a back-to-back series with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Chicago (6-9) looks to maintain the balance that fueled Wednesday’s 80-63 victory. Courtney Williams had a game-high 21 points to go with nine rebounds, while Kahleah Copper (14), Marina Mabrey (13) and Dana Evans (11) also scored in double figures.
It was an especially welcome sight for the Sky backcourt.
“It makes it tough for the defense to hone in on one guard,” Mabrey said. “If we’re moving the ball and we’re making plays, one, that’s good for our recipient players to get the ball and score in good positions. It’s also just really hard to figure out who’s going to make a play when everybody’s on.”
Veteran leadership from Williams at point guard steadied Chicago, which won for the first time since defeating visiting Indiana in overtime on June 6.
“The point guard position is the hardest position on the floor,” Williams said. “I gotta be able to not only keep my head but make sure they keep theirs.”
Wednesday’s loss marked the fourth defeat in six games for Los Angeles (7-8).
Spotty shooting doomed the Sparks, who finished 22-for-63 (34.9 percent) from the floor compared to 30-for-66 (45.5 percent) for the Sky.
Nneka Ogwumike, recently named a starter for next month’s WNBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas, posted her eighth double-double this month after contributing 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Ogwumike is averaging 19.9 points and 9.8 rebounds in 14 games this season while shooting 50.8 percent from the field.
“What she’s doing, leading us on and off the court, is fantastic,” Sparks coach Curt Miller said.
Jordin Canada chipped in 13 points for the Sparks on Wednesday, while Chiney Ogwumike and Karlie Samuelson added 11 apiece.
Friday’s game marks the third of four meetings between the teams. The host Sparks started Chicago’s erstwhile six-game losing streak with a 77-62 win on June 9.
The Sparks are set to host the Sky again on Aug. 29.
–Field Level Media
