Pride and Power: Sky Takedown Sparks in Front of Home Crowd

Photo Courtesy of the WNBA

The Chicago Sky turned a night of celebration into a statement victory, rallying from a persistent deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 86-79 on Pride Night at Wintrust Arena. The win snapped a three-game losing streak and provided the Sky with their most complete performance in weeks.

The Sky got off to a sluggish start trailing for most of the game. But, it was center Kamilla Cardoso who led the way delivering a career-high 27 points and seven rebounds to lead the comeback. 

The crowd was electric and helped the Sky finally take the lead four minutes into the fourth quarter. “I think it was great,” Reese said. “Obviously, that's [the crowd] our six man. They stuck with us.”

Cardoso's breakout performance came at the perfect time for Chicago. The rookie center dominated both ends of the floor, adding three assists and two blocks to her scoring outburst. Her presence in the paint proved decisive as the Sky outscored Los Angeles in the final quarter.

The Sky also took care of the basketball, recording a season-low 13 turnovers while holding the Sparks to just 26.9% shooting from three-point range.

"We got to set the tone every single night," Reese said. "I think we've let a lot of games slip away from us in the past, and I think tonight, we just really wanted to come out and win this one for our crowd, for ourselves and just for each other."

The crowd came for more than just basketball. Pride night is a staple across the WNBA, – a reflection to the league’s commitment to representation. 

Tonight was the third Pride Night for the Sparks and head Coach Lynne Roberts reflected on the meaning.

“I think the WNBA has done a great job at social justice and pride night is another great example of that,” Roberts said. “We are celebrating every place we go, which is great.”

Sky head coach Tyler Marsh echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the league's inclusive culture.

“One of the greatest things if not the greatest thing about the W is the inclusivity that it is,” Marsh said. “I’m proud to be part of this league that sometimes gives voices to sometimes the voiceless.”  

Center Elizabeth Williams, a consistent advocate throughout the league, noted the importance of creating welcoming environments.

"I think it's important for everyone to feel welcome. I think our league has done a good job from its inception in showing that," Williams said.

Before the game, Williams had outlined the team's focus areas: better ball security, defensive effort, and limiting three-point attempts. The Sky delivered on all fronts, using those fundamentals to fuel their fourth-quarter surge and give their Pride Night crowd a victory to remember.