“I know I’m a big part of this team just like everybody is, but I know when I come out aggressive, even if I’m not making shots, it still puts pressure on the defense," Stevens said.

"iI’s not just about making scores. It’s about everything." Julie Allemand

“I haven’t been with the team long, but each practice, each game, I’m getting better,” Sims said.

“We gotta just muscle up and be mentally tough to handle it,” Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts reminded the team.

As the Sparks fight for the postseason, one truth is clear: trust between players and media can’t be the missing piece. Just as respect for the league grows, so must respect for those working to tell its stories.

"My goal is to just help the team as much as I can.” -- Azurá Stevens

Julien Allemand was the unsung hero, finishing with three steals and orchestrating the offense.

"We've got to do a better job not fouling, especially when we know the refs are whistle-happy," said Rachel Banum

"Sometimes just winning that one game—it changes the mindset and reminds us of what we’re capable of,” said Elizabeth Williams

"At this point of the season, every game matters," said Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts

"We gotta take care of the ball," forward Maddy Westbeld said

When we're flying around on both ends of the floor, with pace moving the ball as we do — we all are going to play good," Rickea Jackson said.

“I’m so excited,” Reese said. “To see it filled in the arena is great, and to see my teammates with it on, too. I'm happy.”

"There is no Chicago Sky without Allie Quigley," guard Courtney Vandersloot said during a tribute video.

“There's no reason why we shouldn't be locked in," Roberts said heading into the matchup. “We've got to have some urgency to us at this stage.”

"We got to set the tone every single night," Angle Reese said.

“Where we struggle is in transition. We gave up 20 in transition and a large part of that is due to our turnovers," said Sky head coach Tyler Marsh

"We want two or three days between games," said Breanna Stewart

"We haven't fulfilled our potential yet," Brondello said. "There's areas we've got to keep getting better at, but where we're at at the moment, I like."

“It feels good that all my hard work is finally paying off.”