Sky Collapse in Second Half, Fall to Short-Handed Dream

Chicago Sky vs Atlanta Dream - Photo credit WNBA

The Chicago Sky couldn't overcome another third-quarter collapse and mental breakdowns in a 65–86 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Thursday—despite the Dream being without two of their stars, guard Rhyne Howard (leg) and center Brittney Griner (neck).

Chicago opened the game with a 12–3 run, fueled by quick ball movement and efficient shot-making, notching six assists in the first quarter. But the Dream responded with a timeout and a scoring burst, cutting the lead to two. During that stretch, the Sky struggled to regain focus, committing costly turnovers and missing shots. Still, they showed some resilience and closed the quarter with an 18–15 lead. 

The second quarter was far from clean basketball on either side, but Atlanta's shooting struggles gave Chicago the edge. Although the Sky also had trouble converting offensively, their defense remained strong. They limited the Dream's second-chance opportunities and dominated the rebounding battle. 

Rachel Banham caught fire midway through the quarter, scoring five points, though she was the only player finding consistent success. After the game, interim head coach Tyler Marsh reflected on what worked early.

"Our pace, space, and movement, the three pillars of where we want to be offensively," Marsh said during the postgame press conference. "They were all clicking."

The first half wasn’t flawless, but the Sky were more composed than the Dream. Atlanta shot just 30.3% from the field compared to Chicago’s 42.9%, allowing the Sky to head into the break with a 34–28 lead.

But the third quarter unraveled quickly.

Atlanta opened with a 7–0 run, forcing an early timeout from Chicago. Instead of regrouping, the Sky descended into foul trouble, committing 12 fouls in the quarter. The Dream took full advantage, living at the free-throw line.

"We've got to do a better job not fouling, especially when we know the refs are whistle-happy," said Banum. "We just got to keep going at them and get some calls too, and hopefully shoot more than eight free throws."

Allisha Gray led the Dream with 25 points on an efficient night, including 4-for-4 from the line, along with four rebounds and two assists. Atlanta scored 21 points off free throws, compared to just five for Chicago.

Although Banham finished with 18 points, four rebounds, and two assists, she believes the team failed to stay locked in during the second half.

"I think it's our focus,” Barnum said. "In games, when we have a lead, we get a little too content and comfortable.”

Though the Sky trailed by just eight entering the fourth, they never mounted a serious comeback and were outscored 27–14 in the final frame, ultimately falling by 21.

Tonight marks Chicago's ninth loss in 10 games. Things don't get any easier as they prepare to face the Indiana Fever on Friday. There is still no official timeline for the return of Angel Reese, who remains out with a back injury.