Angel Reese propels Chicago Sky to a thrilling 91-85 victory over New York Liberty, defying playoff odds.
The Chicago Sky ended a difficult season stretch by defeating the New York Liberty 91-85 on Sunday night, showcasing resilience despite a string of losses and injuries. This surprising victory, highlighted by strong performances from young stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, underlined the team’s capability to challenge top contenders even as playoff hopes fade.
Reese contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Cardoso dominated inside with 22 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Together, the two controlled the paint, helping Chicago halt a five-game losing streak amid a season marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities.
Defensive Adjustments Play Key Role in Second-Half Comeback
Chicago‘s defense, frequently a vulnerability, improved significantly after halftime. While the Liberty sank 10 three-pointers in the first half, the Sky tightened their defense to hold New York to only three successful shots from beyond the arc in the second half. Ariel Atkins played a crucial role by aggressively pressuring Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, who failed to make any three-point shots during the second half.
Atkins, who scored 19 points overall, delivered nine points in the final quarter, helping preserve Chicago’s lead and ensuring the Liberty could not mount a comeback.
Chicago Sky’s Social Media Sparks Online Debate
Beyond the game itself, Chicago’s victory generated buzz on social media, where the team posted a graphic featuring Angel Reese with the caption,
Image of: Angel Reese
“Told y’all Chicago has the better skyscrapers.”
This playful jab cleverly referenced Reese and Cardoso’s nickname, the Skycrapers, highlighting their imposing presence on the court while making a cheeky comparison to New York’s famous skyline.
The post drew mixed reactions from fans. Some praised the Sky’s fighting spirit, including one who said,
“Perfect energy. Even eliminated, they’re still fighting.”
Others criticized the tone, pointing out the team’s playoff elimination, with comments like, “You’re eliminated,” and “Congrats on not finishing last.”
Potential Shines Bright Amid Challenges for Chicago
Despite being eliminated from postseason contention and sitting near the bottom of the league standings, the win offered a hopeful glimpse at Chicago’s future when healthy. Angel Reese’s return from a back injury has injected vigor in the frontcourt, while rookie Kamilla Cardoso continues to impress with her rebounding and scoring contributions.
Head coach Tyler Marsh acknowledged the significance of the victory against a strong opponent, saying,
“New York is a team that makes you feel like you’ve got to get everything back in one possession because of the potency they possess. We didn’t get overwhelmed.”
This triumph signals that the Sky have the talent and determination to compete with elite teams when firing on all cylinders, despite the struggles that have defined much of their season.
A Night Defined by Pride and Playful Defiance
Sunday’s result was more than just a win; it was a statement that the Chicago Sky’s season isn’t over in spirit. Though their playoff hopes have ended, this victory underscored the team’s gritty identity marked by pride, effort, and a bit of cheeky bravado. For Angel Reese and the Sky, it was a reminder that they still belong in conversations about the league’s top competitors, setting the stage for a more hopeful future.
