- 26 minutes ago
Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:06ДИНАМИЧНАЯ МУЗЫКА
00:30Kelsey Mitchell, Kaitlin Clark, Aaliyah Boston coming to take on this guy here on Saturday.
00:37There's Cardoso, had such a great game again on Monday,
00:41despite, we'll talk about that during the game tonight,
00:43not getting to go to the free throw line once and still had yet another double-double.
00:48What a season she is having.
00:50Our officiating crew tonight, Kevin Fahey, Angel Kent, and Josh Reed.
00:55Tonight's the rubber match between the Sky and the Sparks here in Chicago.
00:59And it's the home team that wins the chip.
01:03Well, we're going to take a timeout real quick
01:07because the official is not happy about something.
01:11Pointing to the sky.
01:12I'm guessing it has something to do with the clock.
01:16It was.
01:16They wanted one more second on the shot clock.
01:20I'm going to hold my opinion to myself.
01:21So here we go.
01:22Chicago.
01:24Over to Tasha Cloud.
01:25Posting up.
01:27Cardoso.
01:28They ran that play in shoot-around this morning.
01:32And Cloud was loving the fact that she was getting a post-stop
01:35for what she said was the first time in her career.
01:37And it looked just like it did at Sheet today.
01:40Let's see how the Sparks respond.
01:42Again, snap that six-game slide.
01:44Sunday in Portland.
01:46Heavy too strong.
01:47But D'Erica did have a great Sunday in the win over the final.
01:50Match-ups within match-ups.
01:51And I think Hamby and Cardoso are one
01:53that you're going to want to keep an eye on,
01:55particularly with how much these teams want to go inside.
01:58And here is Sheldon getting a start tonight
02:00in place of the injured Sidney Taylor.
02:02With the growing in the second half here on Monday.
02:05Hamby running the floor.
02:06Cannon on the foul.
02:08After the nice pass.
02:10Toneka Ogwumike.
02:11This is exactly how Los Angeles wants to play.
02:14Quick in the get-ahead.
02:15Ogwumike is so special in this manner.
02:17She can get it.
02:18She can go.
02:19You got Hamby with her jets on.
02:21And for both of these teams,
02:23K, are you ready to run?
02:25They're going to be up and down.
02:27You've got two of the top three teams in terms of pace.
02:31But that's how they want to operate.
02:34So much of it comes down, we know,
02:36a ways of getting stops to be able to push and get it and go.
02:38And that's been a challenge for both of these sides.
02:41But transition is where they want to live.
02:43Now on Courtney Vandersloot, her first.
02:45And he completes the three-point play.
02:47Let's see how Chicago responds.
02:49And that is one way to do it.
02:52J.C. Sheldon in the starting lineup
02:54and on to the score sheets.
02:55For many reasons, great to see.
02:57J.C. has struggled a little bit from beyond deep
02:59over the course of the last eight or more games.
03:02And let's see.
03:03I think that one went off the foot of Erica Wheeler.
03:06It did.
03:06It's going to be Sky Basketball.
03:09Spacing, balance, and just an excellent job
03:12coming off the top of that screen.
03:14Smooth stroke for Sheldon, who can knock down threes.
03:16But like I say, it's been a struggle
03:18to find that level of consistency.
03:21Fulibali too strong on that three.
03:23The rookie still looking for her first three-point make
03:27this season and thus in the WNBA.
03:31Sparks have shot so well the last two games from outside the yard.
03:36They'll also get it done on the mid-range too
03:37as Wheeler touches it up.
03:39A little bit of miscommunication there defensively
03:41because it's a nice play and move by Wheeler
03:43but shouldn't have that much work.
03:45Look at Cardoso caught it and you're half court
03:48and took it all the way to the cup.
03:53You mentioned he might be running tonight, Sarah.
03:55I'd say this is a pretty good pace as Atkins hits the elbow jay.
03:59Look, you're going to see running.
04:01You're going to see quick looks.
04:03Obviously, the actions.
04:04It's in the full court but also in the half court,
04:06the quickness, the cutting, and ball movement.
04:07Hard screen there, Mike Cardoso.
04:10Vander Sloot too strong on the jumper.
04:14Burrell so good last month and continuing that.
04:19Throwing up the three after hitting from outside.
04:21Left and loaded.
04:22I mean, she has a defender in her face and it doesn't matter.
04:25I think the tough part that Burrell has continued to expand upon
04:28is being able to shoot those shots off the dribble.
04:31Vander Sloot on the kickout
04:33and Sloot answers right back from outside for the sky.
04:38Oh, my God.
04:42Bambi keeping it herself and there is that battle
04:46we're going to be watching all night that you mentioned.
04:49Vander Sloot down to a beautiful cut from Kulibaly.
04:54Transition defense is going to be key.
04:57We get an opportunity to ooh and ah at this offense
05:00and the prowess and how well everyone is moving.
05:02You know these coaches, though,
05:03want their team to be having a little bit more attention to detail.
05:08Both teams shooting over 60% early in this one.
05:14Nice ball movement here by L.A.
05:16Shot clock winding down.
05:17So Atkins had to pump.
05:19Bambi picks up the loose ball.
05:21Right back into Cardoso.
05:22So she goes, and Cardoso with those good hands.
05:25Oh, look at the pass from Vander Sloot to Clown.
05:32And Cardoso with a spin, a step through,
05:35a beautiful deuce by Aisha Kulibaly.
05:39And Kulibaly, when she's going left,
05:41loves to use that reverse.
05:43When she gets inside and gets cut off,
05:45that is a smooth move by the rookie.
05:49At six points total in the game here on Monday, Sarah.
05:52She's got four already in her first four minutes tonight.
05:55They're all not happy about where her teammate was
05:57and a turnover.
05:58The results.
06:00One on three for Vander Sloot.
06:03Smartly pulls it back out.
06:04It's going to be a kickball by Bore.
06:10Kulibaly can attack you downhill, and this is a good job.
06:13Atkins trying to cut her off, but when Kulibaly is going left,
06:16she will spin, move, and get back to that right hand.
06:19Nice job finding those lanes.
06:20And then Ray Burrell.
06:22Look at that.
06:23Nice job creating space behind the back.
06:26Mentioned this earlier, 40% from three.
06:29That opens up her game in such a huge way.
06:32Vander Sloot had a great nice from beyond the arc on Monday.
06:35That one just a little bit off.
06:38Spine with a four-point lead.
06:40Five and a half to go first quarter.
06:43Atkins rattles in a tray.
06:45So L.A. two for three now from outside the arc.
06:48And again, great ball movement, good awareness.
06:51The defense has been chasing in certain areas,
06:53and both these teams have done a nice job finding the open player.
06:57Five assists on five Mayfield goals so far for L.A.
07:01It's cloudy.
07:03Hits from the strike.
07:27And finally, the teams get a chance to catch their brug.
07:31What a star 16-13 sky here in Chicago.
07:35Helping them to play the last two games.
07:38So good, Sarah.
07:39First back-to-back 30-plus assist games in Sparks history.
07:43And first time they have gone back-to-back with 16-plus made threes.
07:48And let's say good evening to our Paris Lawson,
07:50because Paris, they've done that all without Kelsey Plum.
07:53That's right.
07:54They have been without Kelsey Plum.
07:56Coach Roberts was very quick to remind us since June 21st.
07:59So the Sparks have really had to adjust to life without her for the last five weeks.
08:03And she told us this morning that the team's already adjusted,
08:05and now it's about building on what they've been doing the last month
08:08and also incorporating Monique Akoa-Makani,
08:11who is now out on the court with this team.
08:12And here is Ray Burrell over to Cameron Brink from the elbow.
08:16Might have had that one blocked.
08:17Picked up by Rachel Bantam.
08:21Here is Akoa-Makani, Coach Roberts, and that coach Bubake,
08:25who we talked to both of those members of the Sparks after the shoot-around this morning.
08:28Both could not say enough about how excited they are for this second-year player
08:32who was the strong point guard for the Phoenix Mercurys.
08:35They made their way all the way to the W Finals last year.
08:38Brink, Joaquin Cardoso.
08:40And there is a foul.
08:42Again, Cardoso didn't go to the line once on Monday,
08:44despite how much bang it she does underneath.
08:46Well, and this is Sky Team, the top five, and going to the line.
08:50But back to Akoa-Makani, I remember we had the game back in Phoenix.
08:54She was finishing her commitments overseas,
08:58and that Mercurys team was so thrilled to have her back.
09:01And it's not just about what she can do, both offensively, of course.
09:05You know, she's got a lot of dynamic nature to her game,
09:07but that offensively, point of attack, and negotiating ball screens.
09:11And her spirit, the joy, that was the first thing that has always been mentioned,
09:16is just bringing a level of positivity, enthusiasm, competitiveness.
09:20And you love to see that and see the growth that she's going to have the capability of making.
09:25And I also love the kicks she's wearing tonight.
09:27Those shoes.
09:28Those shoes are pretty fresh.
09:30There's Brink facing up against Cardoso.
09:32So, you know, it's to Akoa-Makani.
09:38Okay.
09:39So good at kind of playing that point forward position.
09:41Got it, got it!
09:43Kusak was all over that one as it came soaring towards the scorers table.
09:47Did I mention earlier that my partner was a two-score star?
09:52She's in the Hall of Fame here in Chicago.
09:53Could have grabbed your oar on the target for injuries of late, so...
09:57Ball-way ball and basketball star here in Chicago, so...
10:00I'm just going to duck behind you.
10:01We needed your last name, Brinkley.
10:03Under four to go, first quarter.
10:05Akoa-Makani using the Akoa-Makani screen.
10:07Akoa-Makani touching it up for her first points as a member of the Swarms.
10:14When we talked to Nneka after the shoot round this morning,
10:16she said, we wanted Akoa-Makani last year in Seattle.
10:20We were so excited about the potential that this player has shown.
10:25Ajaquez into the rookie.
10:27And let's see if this is a foul or a block.
10:30Akoa-Makani is a little bit slow to get up.
10:34Trying to stretch out that left leg.
10:36There was some awkward contact underneath as she tried to go up for that one.
10:41Okay, good to see her back on her feet.
10:48And she's been an important part of the stretch for the Sky team as they've continued to improve.
10:53Take a look right there.
10:54Ooh.
10:56Yeah, just legs getting tangled up.
10:58Bit of an awkward fall.
11:02So that's number two.
11:05Cameron Briggs.
11:10Great entertainment.
11:11Without the hassle of another subscription, download the Fandango app today.
11:14And screen movies and series for free.
11:16Any screen, anywhere, anytime.
11:17It is entertainment made easy.
11:19Just press play.
11:19Fandango, we love fans, and fans love free.
11:23That's what we do.
11:24Don't all fans love free.
11:26Everyone loves free.
11:28Mugavali already with six, tying her game high for Monday.
11:33Koma-Makani, great fake.
11:35A little push shot too strong.
11:36Gets her a miss.
11:37Nice ball movement once again from L.A.
11:40And Burrell from the other side of the floor.
11:42Excellent ball movement.
11:43Sky were in that zone, and that's what they kept working the inside out.
11:46This is a Sparks team, the fourth in the league in assists,
11:50and they do do a great job of finding open teammates,
11:53as we've said about their last couple games.
11:55It's not just about what they've done offensively in terms of putting up points,
12:01but you get these type of shots with the way you continue to shift and rotate a defense,
12:05and you see it right here.
12:06Excellent job coming up with an offensive rebound,
12:09and great job there moving.
12:12A couple decisions to be made by a defender.
12:15You find an open player, and who better than Ray Burrell,
12:18who's been a knockdown shooter there from deep.
12:20As you mentioned, Burrell, July was the highest scoring month of her WNBA career,
12:26almost 17 points in the Sparks' nine games last month.
12:30She's averaging career highs and points.
12:33Field goal percentage, three-point percentage.
12:35Yeah, she is having a tremendous year five in the WNBA.
12:39You can be back in the foul.
12:41Anakoua Makani, his Madam President, will take a seat.
12:47So three straight Chicago trips have resulted in three throws.
12:52And that's the only things there, Coach Tyler Marsh, pretty vocal about.
12:55Understandably so.
12:56There's a routine free throw discrepancy in Monday's close loss to the Murcury.
13:01As we've been talking about all season, this guy just not getting many whistles.
13:05Got to be happy about the fact that they are getting a few tonight.
13:08Burrell, short on to turn around.
13:09Cloud pushing.
13:13Bantam, that is her shot, and Rachel Bantam knocks it down.
13:17She crosses half court, and it's her shot.
13:19Her depth of range is a major part of the game, and she can do it in transition.
13:24Catch and shoot off the dribble, it doesn't matter.
13:26Ring trying to answer back for L.A., unable to do so.
13:30Largest lead of the night for the Scott.
13:32Bantam from way outside, count it for Rachel Bantam, timeout, L.A.
13:41That is some juice.
13:44Rachel Bantam enters the game, and it is bang, bang, right here.
13:51Look at that range, let's step right into that, smooth straight from the right side,
13:55and then Natasha Cloud.
13:58Welcome back.
13:59There is Sydney Taylor.
14:00Again, got hurt in the third quarter in Monday's close loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
14:05And this is what the season has been like for the Scott.
14:09Unfortunately, they're prepared for it because they've had just a rotating cast
14:13when one player gets healthy, another gets hurt.
14:17Good swat there by Elizabeth Williams.
14:20I'm not sure if that was a shot or a pass, but Williams got all of it regardless.
14:25There's D.J. Carrington, at a season-high 16 points,
14:28in the loss to Phoenix on Monday.
14:31Carrington scoops Cardoso.
14:34Using the window for two more, having a fantastic season.
14:37She's got eight already tonight.
14:39Good patience.
14:40Even for Chicago, we're talking about Los Angeles moving the basketball.
14:44It's the Sky team that leads the leading assist percentage.
14:48Brink, the kickouts.
14:51Ji-Hun Park too strong.
14:53Good block out there by Bannon on the much taller Cameron Brink.
15:0010-0 Chicago run.
15:02Trying to add to it.
15:06Carrington needs some help.
15:08They're so strong hands.
15:10Grab that one.
15:12Next ball movement here by the sky.
15:14And Cloud connects from outside.
15:18Watch out.
15:19It's hot in here.
15:21In all of these, we're looking at these shots.
15:24It's some beautiful basketball with the passing.
15:27Toma Kani running into her teammate there.
15:30Knew there was going to be a few plays like that tonight.
15:32Again, just learning her new team.
15:35Williams, running hook.
15:37Just a little bit short.
15:38But this guy is still on a 13-0 run.
15:40Last 2.20.
15:43First quarter points this guy have put up all season.
15:47Toma Kani challenged by Cloud.
15:50Ray the rebound.
15:53Brink, baseline jumper does not go.
15:55Carrington with the board.
16:00It's going to be over three minutes since this guy.
16:04Beg your pardon, the Sparks' last score.
16:06This guy tried to tack on a few more here.
16:11Seven issues, Carrington on the curl, swatted by Cam Brink.
16:16We got defense, and we got a whole lot of offense.
16:19And so much has been predicated on really tacking, getting inside the paint.
16:22You see Cardoso starting it right here, draws in the defense,
16:25and then making an extra pass.
16:27Bantam finding Cloud.
16:28A little slow on the closeout.
16:30She drains it.
16:32Everyone has gotten in on the action.
16:34But so much of it has been how both of these teams really have continued to be very patient
16:38with their passing, shifting the defense.
16:41Ten assists, Sarah, on 11 made buckets for Chicago.
16:45Six on seven for L.A.
16:48Final few seconds.
16:49Park.
16:49A lot of contact.
16:51And there is a very late whistle.
16:55Did see a lot of contact, though.
16:58And this is tough at the end of the shot clock.
17:02I know you're trying to be aggressive, but it's a pretty clear foul.
17:06Not a whole lot of time left.
17:08You've got 0.6 seconds on the clock.
17:10So the last thing you want to do is add another foul, give an opportunity.
17:15This is looking at South Korea.
17:1726-year-old with the Ji-Hun Park.
17:2012 points.
17:21In the win in Portland on Sunday.
17:28One, two, three, three, four.
17:30First one bounces out.
17:320.6 left in our first quarter.
17:40Park hits the second.
17:45Highest scoring first quarter of the season for Tasha Cloud and the Chicago Sky.
17:51As they end our first ten minutes on a 13-1 run.
17:5733-19 in the sky.
17:59Leading the L.A. Sparks at the moment.
18:01You are watching the WNBA on USA.
18:04Presented by Dick's Sporting Goods.
18:06Second quarter.
18:07That's the dance.
18:09Depending on how they line up.
18:11E, you got up.
18:14E goes up.
18:17Take your time.
18:18You got it?
18:19Great job, AC.
18:22You got it, you got it, you got it, or no?
18:25I got new.
18:26Good.
18:27She needed her in the game.
18:28She knew me.
18:29Yeah, she did.
18:32Fabrija Hacquez, one of five, of course, UCLA Bruins, taking in the first round of this year's WNBA draft with
18:40six Bruins overall after that national championship they won.
18:44D'Erika Hamby, another and-one opportunity.
18:47Tough finish.
18:48And for D'Erika Hamby, watch how she catches it in traffic in the middle of the floor and surveys.
18:54Is there a pass?
18:55Is there a kick out?
18:56And realizes she's got some space to operate.
18:58It's a strong move to finish your contact as WNBA's a little bit into the body off of that position.
19:06Mentioned the sparks and just maybe this season in many ways has not gone as they had anticipated, but there
19:13is a lot of reason for optimism.
19:15D'Erika Hamby is such a strong part of this, the veteran leadership that she has provided.
19:20She's coming off that game Sunday, 23 points, 11 to 15 from the field, 10 rebounds, forces, two blocks.
19:27She's a player you know can impact the game in so many different ways.
19:31And if anybody actually knows that, it's Sky Head Coach Tyler Marsh as Cardozo.
19:35A little too high on that pass because he was an assistant coach when Hamby was a member of the
19:39Aces when they won that title back in 2022.
19:44Yeah, Hamby, the 12-year vet.
19:47Great season.
19:49And McKinnon, number 32, just checking in for L.A.
19:54Now to the former member of the Chicago Sky, Ariel Atkins.
19:58And Tasha Cloud is down.
20:00Holding that right knee.
20:04Hate this.
20:05Hate this.
20:09Hoping it was just need any contact.
20:11Hoping it was not non-contact.
20:14Let's see.
20:17Watch right here.
20:18Try to move through this screen.
20:26Yeah, tough to say.
20:31Don't see needed knee contact.
20:34Just see Cloud.
20:36As if she's walking back to the locker room.
20:37Man, again, Sarah, all the injuries that Chicago has dealt with, of course, Rekia Jackson, who was a part of
20:44that Atkins trade with the Sparks before the season started.
20:49As Williams can't connect on the runner.
20:51But Rekia Jackson started off the season scorching hot for the sky.
20:55We're down with the ACL.
20:56Skyler Diggins hasn't played since the 3rd of July because of the knee.
21:00Asrae Stevens out right now due to personal reasons.
21:03Sidney Taylor, the rookie, got hurt the last game here on Monday.
21:07One of those years for the sky.
21:09Erica Wheeler on the baseline.
21:15Wheeler had a great game Sunday in Portland.
21:17She's been tremendous.
21:18Alongside Hamby.
21:19She had those dozen points, too.
21:20She's been big this season and just has to do a lot.
21:23The consistency she's brought has been important.
21:28Carrington off the heel from outside.
21:3010-point sky lead.
21:31Eight and a half to go in our first half here at Wintrust Arena.
21:35Rubber match between the two.
21:36Both teams have won at home so far.
21:39Carr with the high, arcing three rattles in.
21:43And Tyler Marsh will call time for the Sparks.
21:46Heating up here in this second quarter.
21:55How about that game face, huh?
21:56How about that game face?
21:58Team captain for DePaul, still in the top 10 when it comes to three-point shooting percentage.
22:04The first full-time analyst that's a woman in the MNBA.
22:09There she is.
22:10My partner, Sarah Kustak, gets awesome.
22:12That's special.
22:13It's amazing.
22:14And it's always incredible coming back here.
22:16These are my roots and it's what made me.
22:19Jason Sheldon making a three right out of the feature.
22:23Oh, we love it.
22:24We love to see that from Jason Sheldon.
22:26Saw that first one go through early on in this game.
22:29About two or two from deep.
22:31Let's see if the Sparks can answer.
22:33Hamby, let's fly, and does just that.
22:36Look out.
22:37Hope y'all brought your umbrellas because I'm starting to feel some raindrops in here.
22:4436-29 Chicago.
22:46Hamby now with eight.
22:47Carrington, the running hook shot.
22:49It's okay, Dijanae.
22:51Well, and we have talked about this.
22:52Carrington, the impact that.
22:55Hard screen.
22:56And they're going to say it was an illegal screen on Emma Kamen.
22:59She'll be able to make both ends of the floor.
23:01And Dijanae Carrington is so special on the defensive end.
23:05But offensively, she's been aggressive, authoritative.
23:08If you watch right here, to be going at a player like Hamby and nice job in the hook shot
23:13to create some space and angle to actually be able to get that shot off.
23:17And just such a missing component to the Sky team through the course of the season.
23:22We've talked about injuries, what they've dealt with.
23:25Certainly one of those great to see Natasha Cloudo back on the floor here after she had exited.
23:33Sheldon, the ball movement tonight has been tremendous from both teams.
23:37This time, Sheldon inside the yard.
23:39And it's interesting, you know, Sheldon has been coming off the bench for a good chunk of the season.
23:44Shoots better as a starter.
23:4548% from the floor.
23:47When she's in the starting five, 41% off the bench.
23:51That's a pretty good differential there.
23:52Seven to go, first half.
23:56Park, signed for her shooting.
23:58That one around and off, Aburute had her hands on it, but couldn't corral that rebound.
24:04Cloud, eyes up, always looking to dish it off.
24:13Sheldon again, give it to the hot hand.
24:16Back to Kulibali, and Wheeler thought she maybe had the steal.
24:21Said it's going to be a foul.
24:23Talked a lot about the bucket making.
24:25Excellent job here by J.C. Sheldon.
24:27Just fine in the pocket.
24:28Hamby's stepping up.
24:30But there has been a variety back of where these teams are attacking from in just finding those holes and
24:36areas on the floor.
24:38So they're getting to the basket.
24:39So much of their offenses are predicated on the post.
24:42You know Tyler Marsh is looking for that.
24:44But then also knocking down three-point shots.
24:45It opens up the game.
24:46And those intermediate looks will be available.
24:49Bill McKay got a hand in there.
24:51It knocked off of Cardoso's hand.
24:53So L.A. Basketball, yes, sir.
24:55This guy, six of nine from three so far tonight.
24:59L.A., five of ten.
25:01So both teams shooting the lights out.
25:02They are.
25:03And quite frankly, both of these defenses have been lacking through the course of the season.
25:07It's not been areas of strength.
25:09What a block by Tasha Cloud on the Burrell three.
25:13Then Burrell gets it back.
25:15And the sky bench beside themselves saying that should be Chicago basketball.
25:18As I'm talking about defensive lacking.
25:21And Tasha Cloud says, here, take this.
25:24What a job coming out.
25:26And that's a contest that you want to make on a three-point shooter.
25:29Burrell who has been so good.
25:32And Chicago is going to challenge this one.
25:34So on the replay, it looked like it might have actually gone off of Burrell after Cardoso.
25:39Got her big paw in there.
25:41So the green light is on.
25:44Here in the Windy City, we'll have the results.
25:47Already has two blocks in her five minutes tonight.
25:50Does, though, have those two fouls as well.
25:52And that was one of the things that her head coach Lynn Roberts said before the game tonight.
25:56She said, it's awesome to have Cam playing 20 games.
26:00That's a career high already.
26:0121, including tonight's, averaging career highs pretty much across the board when it comes to points
26:07and field goal percentage and stuff.
26:08And it was a successful challenge, so Chicago basketball.
26:12But now she's trying to keep her on the floor.
26:13Just working on fouling just a little bit less so we can play you as much as we can.
26:18And there's a balance to that.
26:19And I think just catching that rhythm.
26:21Talk about keep on the floor, keep on the floor in terms of just being available and healthy
26:26through the course of this early part of her career.
26:29She's got so much talent, so much potential.
26:33That's what Coach Roberts said.
26:35She said, Cam is going to be so good.
26:37I just want her, for her, to stay healthy.
26:42Six to go in our first half here in Chicago.
26:4540-29, Sky in front.
26:47Looking to bounce back from a Monday loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
26:51Here's Wheeler, pushing.
26:56Atkins, a catch and shoot.
26:58Running off.
27:00Brink, nicely done.
27:01Knocking that ball out of Williams' hands to Ogumike, who puts it up and in.
27:04Speaking of the activity, just the ability to have a feel like that.
27:09It's those type of plays, extra effort ones, that she brings to the table.
27:14Oh, and there's another block by Cam Brink.
27:16Three on two for the Sparks.
27:19Atkins, jump stop.
27:20Mid-range, too strong.
27:21Brink tried to knock it out.
27:23There's that volleyball prowess that Brink has, too.
27:27But, yeah, just in the last 30 seconds, we've seen the impact that Brink could bring.
27:34Clown short to Ogumike, up for it.
27:37Last two and a half games, L.A. plus 28 with Wheeler on the floor.
27:42Turns it over there, though.
27:44Minus 36 when she's on the bench.
27:46Atkins tracking back.
27:48And a hard foul on Sheldon.
27:51We're talking a lot about Cameron Brink.
27:53And we know, through the course of her career, how she can control the pain with blocks.
28:00Great job here.
28:02Setting back, but she's got length.
28:03She's got timing.
28:05The activity on the offensive glass that gets it over to Nneka for the finish.
28:11Those type of little plays all over.
28:14That's why there's an excitement for both of these sides.
28:17Sarah, let's take a look at the upcoming WNBA national TV schedule.
28:21On Prime Video tomorrow, the Aces.
28:23At the Fever.
28:24And this is the first half of a back-to-back for the Sparks.
28:26So they head to Minnesota after this one.
28:28And then Friday on Eye On, the Dream in Washington to take on those really fun young Mystics.
28:34And then the Valkyries in Dallas to take on the Wings.
28:37For more on these games, WNBA.com or visit the WNBA app.
28:41Such a fun time right now here in the W.
28:43The Lynx with a cushion in that one spot.
28:46But teams in the two through eight position, just four games separating, seven teams right now.
28:53As this season slowly but surely winds down, Burrell defended by Cloud.
28:58The turnaround way off because of that great defense.
29:01That's what she does.
29:03And that's tough.
29:04There's a size advantage for her, but she knows how to use her body and strength.
29:09Yvonne to Cloud.
29:11Whips a pass to Sheldon who's having a sensational second quarter.
29:15Leaves that one a little bit long.
29:16Here's the new member of the Sparks, Monika Koa Makani coming over in that blockbuster trade sent Kelsey Plum to
29:24Phoenix on Sunday.
29:27Gray, the rookie in the corner, off-iron.
29:35Natasha Cloud straight on triple.
29:38Drop it off, down to Brink.
29:43Using the screen from Brink, and that was an illegal screen.
29:48And there's that gritty, tenacious defense that Tyler Marsh and Sky fans love from Tasha Cloud here in Chicago.
29:56Well, and you see it from Cloud.
29:58You've seen it from Sheldon.
29:59What the Sky are doing is fighting over the top of screens.
30:03Tasha Cloud with the feistiness, the fight, the energy,
30:08those momentum-shifting plays that happen on the defensive end.
30:12Always important for a group, but that's how they're negotiating those ball screens.
30:17It's not an easy thing to do.
30:19That's number three on Brink.
30:21Vandersloot sticks it up and in.
30:23That staggered screen.
30:26You've got to get through two, and it allows for a corner to be targeted.
30:33Chance Gray.
30:34Two-man game with Hammy.
30:38Goal McConaughey sneaks it down to her.
30:42Loud.
30:43Asleen Burrell.
30:44Three to shoot.
30:45Two to shoot.
30:47Hammy.
30:48Not going to get a shot off.
30:49Shot clock violation.
30:50More good defense from Chicago.
30:53Really moving on a string.
30:56And for as much as we talk about offense, the difference maker for this game is going to be the
31:01defensive side,
31:02and we have seen more of it from the Chicago Sky group.
31:06Now, they've been playing much better, just more comfortable, and obviously I think there's perks to it of trying to
31:14get healthy,
31:15trying to get home, but also just getting more accustomed to the system with their playing.
31:18But also defended well that time by Hamby.
31:23The pace, the quickness, the bet is going to come down to trying to find stops at this end of
31:29the floor to be able to continue with those runouts.
31:31As Burrell sets her feet, gives it short though, so L.A. has come back to earth.
31:37They were shooting 50% from three, now 36%, five for 14 from outside.
31:4413 assists on 15 Mayfield goals.
31:47Make it 14 on 16 now for Chicago.
31:51And that's where Los Angeles, there's so much attention on the ball, they're tossing two and they're just leaving those
31:57back-end cutters wide open.
31:59That's got to be shored up.
32:0152% from the floor, 50% from three.
32:05This guy playing very well in his first half.
32:10Wumake, defended nicely by Williams.
32:16Largest lead of the night for Chicago, 46-31.
32:22Anderson coming off her best game on the season here on Monday.
32:2616 points, 10 assists.
32:29Sheldon into the starting lineup because of the injury to Sidney Taylor.
32:33Couldn't connect that time.
32:40Wumake, open underneath, a nice find by Greg.
32:43JC Sheldon was down at the other end of the floor off of that layup,
32:47and that's a great job by Los Angeles recognizing the man advantage.
32:52Sparks shooting 38%.
32:59Good hands by Vandersloot.
33:01Short hop in that one.
33:04Shot clock at three.
33:05Sheldon sees it.
33:06The step back is good from JC Sheldon.
33:10JC Sheldon.
33:11In the double figures, first Sky player who can say that in her 13 minutes of work.
33:16Talking about taking advantage of the start here tonight.
33:22Ray on the curl, gets it back to Hamby.
33:24Hamby using the window for the deuce.
33:27Tough shot by Hamby.
33:28She's so good with her counter moves, feeling the body of a defender.
33:32I know she's had Williams behind her, but she's a great finisher regardless of what direction she's moving to.
33:38With that mid-bucket, she is the first spark to play into double figures tonight.
33:42And an illegal screen on Chicago.
33:45Let's take a look at our State Farm with the assists.
33:49Natasha Cloud has been dropping a lot of dimes.
33:51And you see right here great screens that are set and a beautiful diversion.
33:57Nice quick roll and dive by Elizabeth Williams there with the basket.
34:02And that's where, for the Sky offense overall, their ability to lead the league in assists percentage
34:10comes a lot from those actions, the nuance of it, and how they're able to find that movement in the
34:17defense.
34:17Barred off a nice screen from Hamby.
34:23Bark's not going away.
34:25Lead down to ten.
34:28Manum came in, had back-to-back threes in the first quarter.
34:31That one knocked out.
34:32It will remain Sky Basketball.
34:3530 to go in our first half.
34:3613 on the shot clock.
34:40Be sure to stay with us.
34:42American Express at the half.
34:44Coming up as soon as the second quarter goes final.
34:47Ali Dona, Shmiqua in the studio.
34:49First half, stats and highlights.
34:52And got something special for you cooked up as well.
34:55That's what we call a tease here.
34:57Oof.
34:58Don't go anywhere.
35:00Don't want to spoil it.
35:01It is a surprise.
35:01But I can tell you, I watched it earlier today.
35:04And it was fantastic.
35:06Van on halfway down.
35:08And it pops back out.
35:09That one was from the north side here in Chicago.
35:14Final ten seconds.
35:15First half.
35:20Five seconds to go.
35:23Three seconds to go.
35:25Got to get a shot off.
35:27And Gray will not do it because of the tremendous defense once again
35:34from the veteran Tasha Clown.
35:36Hey, single coverage.
35:38You got to put a screen on her to try and create movement
35:41because otherwise she is...
35:42I was right there.
35:45We know Gabriela Haquez didn't say that much,
35:47but Sheldon was having such a great first half
35:49and Haquez was her number one fan.
35:52So I wanted to run that back for you.
35:53Thanks to Haquez for being mic'd up for us tonight.
35:56Cloud takes it away from Hamby.
35:59And Sheldon again, just two off her season high.
36:01Just a few more off of her career high.
36:05And just over to Cloud.
36:08And we've got a whistle away from the ball.
36:11Let's see who this is on.
36:12And Hamby still wincing a little bit
36:15as Tasha Clown took that last ball away from Tierra.
36:18And Hamby on the other end.
36:20I feel like there might have been some contact.
36:22So we'll keep an eye on number five.
Comments