Phoenix Mercury dominate Chicago Sky, 83-67

Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso is all smiles ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. - Photo by Mia Nuñez

The Chicago Sky's eight-game losing streak continued Sunday as they fell to the Phoenix Mercury, 83-67, showing few signs of breaking out of their season-long struggles.  

During the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Mercury, things were unexpectedly looking up for Chicago. Phoenix struggled with their offensive production, shooting 20% from the field. Unlike the Sky who shot a better 44.4%.  

Chicago got off to a promising start in the first quarter, capitalizing on Phoenix's early offensive woes. The Mercury shot just 20% from the field while the Sky connected on 44.4% of their attempts, building momentum by feeding the ball to 6'7" center Kamilla Cardoso in the paint.

Cardoso looked dominant early, tallying seven points, five rebounds and two assists in the opening frame. However, Chicago couldn't fully capitalize on Phoenix's shooting struggles, taking just a six-point lead into the second quarter. 

The Mercury found their rhythm in the second quarter, tying the game at 27 points as they began pushing the pace.

"I thought their biggest adjustment was just pushing it in transition, just putting their heads down," Chicago head coach Tyler Marsh explained.

Without injured star Angel Reese (back injury), Cardoso and Elizabeth Williams battled on the boards, combining for nine offensive rebounds and 25 total rebounds. But their efforts weren't enough to contain Phoenix's transition attack, which outscored Chicago 30-3 in fast-break points.

Former Sky guard Kahleah Copper, traded away in 2024, tormented her former team with 25 points. She had 12 points by halftime and never let up, serving as a painful reminder of what Chicago gave up.

Phoenix pulled away with a 6-0 run to close the second quarter, improving their shooting to 42.5% while Chicago cooled off to 38.2%. The Sky trailed 42-34 at halftime.

The third quarter brought more of the same struggles that have plagued Chicago all season.

"We gotta take care of the ball," forward Maddy Westbeld said. "We gotta take better shots and understand the shot clock. Understand the time and score and just be more intentional."

Guard Michaela Onyenwere didn't mince words about the team's mentality during this difficult stretch.

"We have to be better. I mean, all around we have to be more locked in, more focused," Onyenwere said. "There just has to be a will to win, and we don't have that right now on a consistent basis, and we haven't the entire season."

Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas recorded a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Elizabeth Williams led Chicago with 15 points and 15 rebounds.

Despite missing three key players to injury, the Sky (7-21) refuse to use that as an excuse. Marsh wants his team to finish the season stronger than they've played.

"We got to find ways to continue to battle," Marsh said. "Continue to dig in so we can end the season strong."