The Chicago Sky fell to the Phoenix Mercury 65-85 at Wintrust Arena on Thursday, August 15. With the loss, the Sky move to 10-15 on the season, 4-9 at home, 5-6 against the Western Conference, 0-1 against the Mercury this season and 18-26 in the regular season against Phoenix all time.
Angel Reese recorded her second straight double-double, notching 11 points and 15 rebounds. She passed Sylvia Fowles for the most offensive rebounds in a single season in Sky franchise history, finishing Thursday’s game with 120 offensive boards this year. Dana Evans led the Sky in scoring with 14 points off the bench, making six of her 10 shots (60.0%). Kamilla Cardoso rounded out the Sky’s double figure scorers with 10 points and five rebounds.
With her 15 rebounds, Angel Reese tied Cindy Brown (301) for eighth on the all-time rookie rebounds list.
Reese tied her career high with eight offensive rebounds.
Reese’s eight offensive boards are the most by any player in the WNBA this season.
Reese’s double-double was her 18th this season, moving her past Yolanda Griffith and Candace Parker (17 each) for second-most ever by a first-year player (Across the Timeline).
Kahleah Copper scored a Mercury team-high 29 points while making 12 of her 19 (63.2%) field goal attempts. Brittney Griner stuffed the stat sheet, recording 23 points, nine rebounds, two steals and season highs of six assists and five blocks. Diana Taurasi notched 11 points.
Griner is the first player in Mercury franchise history to record 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists and 5+ blocks in a game.
Griner is the second player to finish a regular season game with 20/9/5/5 or better (Across the Timeline)
Taurasi (350) passed Elena Delle Donne (349) for 21st on the WNBA’s all-time blocks list with two in Thursday’s game.
The Sky head to the west coast for a back-to-back against the Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury on Aug. 17 and 18, respectively. Chicago is 1-0 against Los Angeles this season and 15-30 against the franchise all time.
In the first matchup between the two teams this season, the Sky beat the Sparks 83-73 at home on May 30. Elizabeth Williams recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, Dana Evans scored 15 points, and Chennedy Carter recorded 14 points off the bench for Chicago.
For Los Angeles, Dearica Hamby recorded a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds while Kia Nurse (17 points) and 2024 No. 4 overall pick Rickea Jackson (10 points) rounded out the Sparks’ double-digit scorers.
Photo/ChicagoSky/X
Chicago Sky contributed to this recap
