In Uncasville, Conn., a focused and spirited Angel Reese recorded her first-ever triple-double, spearheading the Chicago Sky to a decisive 78-66 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. With Reese's impressive 11 assists, which more than doubled her previous career best, the Sky showcased a commanding performance that placed five players in double figures.
Hailey Van Lith, another catalyst off the bench, also shone brightly with a career-high 16 points, a feat that underlined the depth of Chicago's roster. This impressive bench performance overwhelmed the Sun's reserves, outscoring them by a remarkable 36-2 margin in this Commissioner’s Cup encounter.
Reese, demonstrating her all-around skills, also contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds. Teammate Kia Nurse was flawless from the field, netting 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting, including three three-pointers. Both Kamilla Cardoso and Ariel Atkins chipped in with 10 points each. Veteran reserve Rachel Banham added to the night's achievements by sinking her 300th career three-pointer.
For the Sun, Marina Mabrey carried the offensive load with 22 points, highlighted by five successful three-pointers. Tina Charles added 19 points and Jacy Sheldon contributed 12, yet it wasn't enough to keep pace with the surging Sky.
Both teams mirrored each other in shooting efficiency, hitting 40% of their shots and making six three-pointers in the first half. Nevertheless, Chicago capitalized on their free throws, converting all eight attempts to secure a tight 38-36 lead at halftime, where only Mabrey managed double figures with 16 points.
The Sun briefly held a 47-44 lead early in the second half, thanks to Mabrey’s three-pointer and Charles' free throws, but the Sky quickly regained control. Vital three-point plays by Michaela Onyenwere and Reese turned the tide, giving Chicago a 51-48 edge. Entering the fourth quarter, the Sky had a 59-54 lead and never looked back.
Both teams face new challenges on Tuesday; Chicago will return home to clash with Washington, while Connecticut prepares to travel to Indiana.
