Chicago Sky fell short by five with Connecticut Sun taking a 1-0 lead in Game 1 of the WNBA Semi-Final at Wintrust Arena. The match ended at 68-63, where Connecticut Sun was on a higher side after successfully restricting Candance Parker.
Connecticut Sun accelerated their game rather than expected by posting 11-0 on the board in the earlier phase. Candance Parker posted 9 points and 8 rebounds to tie the game at 34 till halftime.
The final two quarters kept everyone at the edge of their seats. Candance Parker was on the floor throughout; however, Connecticut Sun found a way to restrict her and, thereby, the opponent. The scoreboard did get even with a push of 11-2 by Chicago Sky, but the last 2:11 brought them to a halt with no further posting from anyone on the team.
Courtney Vandersloot of Chicago Sky entered the third quarter with not much effect. The day can be said to have gone not in her favor as Connecticut Sun powered their performance with 12-0 anyway. Natisha Hiedeman and DeWanna Bonner took the chase to imbalance the scoreboard and gave the team a lead of 8 points.
Connecticut Sun ended the third quarter with 14-2, holding Chicago Sky to just 12 points in the period.
The sun rose in the direction that DeWanna Bonner led after basketing 15 points and 9 rebounds, making her one of the four players to score in double digits in the night-like game. Jonquel Jones did not mind sharing her score of 12 points and 10 rebounds with Brionna Jones, who also posted 12 points.
Alyssa Thomas picked up 12 points and 10 rebounds for a good contribution to the victory.
Candance Parker led Chicago Sky with a brilliant performance of 19 points and 18 rebounds. This has made her the first player in league history with 15 points, 5 assists, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks in the playoff game.
Game 1 did not go to their side. Game 2 and Game 3 are lined up with a probability that the table can still turn. Game 4 and Game 5 are on the schedule, depending on how the following games turn out.
Candance Parker was not entirely alone in her endeavors. Kahleah Copper played support with 13 points for the team and a finish of 10 points by Emma Meesseman.
James Wade, Coach for Chicago Sky, talked to the media and noted that the team played as per the opponent’s style even though they like to play more freely, adding that Chicago Sky will be ready for the next game.
Curt Miller, Coach for Connecticut Sun, said something similar by stating that the team got the game messy, which was their advantage.
Game 2 is scheduled for August 31 (Wednesday) at 8 pm on ESPN2.
