WNBA - Chicago Sky Ended Home Winning Streak of Seattle
By Ally White
The Chicago Sky ended the Seattle Storm’s home-game winning streak on Sunday with a score of 86-81, moving Chicago to third place in the Eastern Conference.
Kristi Toliver contributed 6 of 8 three-pointers with her tremendous shooting, leading Chicago to the victory. Candice Dupree also assisted with strong jumpers. Despite the difficulty of playing a game in the opponent’s home territory, the Sky handled the pressure well, staying close to the Storm up to the end of the game.
Chicago’s victory marked the end of a 5 home-game winning streak for Seattle.
Both teams began the game with focus and motivation, struggling to control the action. Dupree was making incredible shots, ending the first quarter with 9 points for the Sky, while Tanisha Wright ended with 6 points in free throws for the Storm. By the end of the first quarter, Chicago had a 2 point lead, 19-17.
In the second quarter, the teams were stuck at a stalemate, especially with Toliver’s fantastic performance; Toliver's 4 three-pointers evened Cash’s 8 points, evening the score to 42-42 at half time.
By the third quarter, it was clear that neither team had accepted defeat. Toliver and Dupree were contributing for the Chicago Sky while the Seattle Storm worked as a team, with almost all the players on the court contributing in some way. Again, the third quarter ended with a tie at 61-61.
In the decisive fourth quarter, both teams fought until the end, but a great run by Jia Perkins combined with Toliver and Perkins’ 4 free throws and a cornerstone three-pointer by Dupree with 1:14 left gave the Sky the win.
Toliver admitted that the game was a difficult one, but a key win for Chicago.
"It's a tough place to play. It was crucial for us to get this win. It started with veteran leadership in the locker room before the game. I got some good minutes in so I wanted to make the most of it," Toliver said.
The best scorers for the Chicago Sky were Candice Dupree with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, Kristi Toliver with 22 points and 7 assists, Jia Perkins with 16 points and 3 rebounds, and lastly Sylvia Fowles with 4 points and 5 rebounds. For the Seattle Storm the best scorers were Lauren Jackson with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, Tanisha Wright with 18 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds, Swin Cash with 14 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds and finally Janell Burse with 13 points and 4 rebounds.
The next game for the Chicago Sky will be against the first place in the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Fever, and will be on July 15th. The Seattle Storm will play on the same day against the Detroit Shock at home.
About the Author
Ally White is a top senior copy writer on WNBA games and sports action for the online sports betting: http://www.instantactionsports.com. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.