Chicago Sky Cash Out Big in the Boneyard

Much like their forefathers (Chicago mobsters of the early 1970’s) the Chicago Sky came into the Mandalay Bay Events Centre on Tuesday night and took over the joint. However docile in comparison (less murder, cement shoes, knee-cappings, et al.), the Las Vegas Aces were playing 52-pick up all night. Unable to string a full quarter together without Chicago saying, “Go Fish”, Las Vegas did save some pennies in their pockets for the Snap tables late, keeping this contest down the the final card before the Sky called “UNO”!

If Michael Jordan defined Chicago basketball in the 90’s, Chennedy Carter at least scribbled her name in the margins of some borrow out Dictionaries from Harold Washington Library tonight. 34 points, seemingly all coming from working her way through the middle of the floor, Carter was an absolute force early and often. Miss-matched against Kelsey Plum to start off, she was off to the races with 14 in the first. Up 42-20 before the Aces roared to back with 15 straight points, Carter broke through before the half to stop the bleeding. With another 10 points inside the final four minutes, Chennedy Carter pulled the Sky across the line. With Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese cleaning up the boards, while keeping A’ja Wilson as in check as you can keep her, and Marina Mabrey keeping the floor spread with her range, the Chicago Sky are making a push for the playoffs post All-Star/Olympic break.

It seemed less ‘Las Vegas Aces’ and more ‘Divorce Capital of America How To Play Pokers’ (we got there) against a young Chicago outfit. Despite a 17 - 3 deficit to start, losing Kate Martin to an apparent ankle injury and Kelsey Plum unsuccessfully shooting her way out of a bad night, Las Vegas had a lead with three and a half minutes to go. A’ja Wilson somehow had a night where 28 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and four blocks felt quiet. If that alone doesn’t prove she’s the best player in the league, I’m unsure what will. Poor Kelsey Plum. Good shooters keep shooting, it’s just hard to watch when they don’t right the ship. Her last shot clanging off the side of the backboard summed up her night from deep (0/8), it felt like if she hit one of those eight (like someone else this week) we’re looking at a different ball game by the end of the night. All in all for Las Vegas, they should be happy heading to the break. With an experienced, quality team, they just need to make the playoffs and cash start their season anew from there.

Chicago Sky 93

Las Vegas Aces 85