The Chicago Sky won their first game of the 2024 WNBA season against the Dallas Wings on Saturday night. Angel Reese helped Chicago rally from a 12-point deficit after losing their first Week 1 matchup three days prior. The Sky are proving to have a special blend of depth and an emerging chemistry to help them build something special.
The Sky had standout performances from multiple contributors on Saturday night. Diamond DeShields led the team with 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Marina Mabrey came up big again with 14 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Meanwhile, Chennedy Carter, Dana Evans, and Elizabeth Williams all chipped in 12 points each. Williams gathered a double-double with 10 rebounds along with a whopping five blocks.
Moreover, after amassing four early fouls, Angel Reese returned to deliver a stout performance. She totaled 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and went 5-for-7 on three-pointers in her first professional victory.
One of the most admirable stories surrounding the Sky during the 2024 WNBA season is the comeback of Diamond DeShields. DeShields missed the entire 2023 season with a knee injury but is finally healthy.
“It's been a crazy comeback. Now that I'm here, I'm healthy, I have an opportunity to help lead this team in a way that I've never done since I've been in the league…all I can do is make the most of the opportunity,” DeShields said after Saturday's game.
DeShields is quickly becoming one of Chicago's go-to scoring options. The sixth-year guard is not the only one taking advantage of her opportunity. DeShields has been impressed by Angel Reese's work ethic and professionalism.
“Angel is really great…to have someone at her age come in and have the [mindset] to work…She's very professional, comes in each and every day, and gives us consistency, and it's really impressive,” DeShields said.
The team's belief in each other did not end there. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon further praised her squad after their comeback on Saturday.
Teresa Weatherspoon is giving the Sky confidence to ascend
Chicago is beginning to look like one of the deepest teams in the league. They have multiple players who are threats on both sides of the ball. Marina Mabrey has been a standout scorer for the Sky through Week 1 of the 2024 WNBA season, and Weatherspoon recognized her efforts.
“She's a believer, she's confident, and I'm confident in what she does. When Marina gets going it's very contagious,” Weatherspoon said.
Mabrey led the Sky with 19 points during the season debut, and her offense, playmaking, and rebounding were vital in Chicago's bounce-back win. The sixth-year guard will continue to be one of the team's biggest pieces.
Another important piece to the team is former Dream guard Chennedy Carter. After a phenomenal stint overseas with Bursas, Carter is back in the WNBA and is showing her talent as an athletic two-way player. Weatherspoon is ecstatic to have a weapon like her on the team.
“She's amazing. She's an incredible talent…finding out how to play her role. As you can see, she's electric and we're super excited to have her with us,” Weatherspoon said.
Carter has lofty goals. She wants to average two steals per game and make her first All-Star team in 2024.
Weatherspoon gave props to one final veteran member of the team.
Elizabeth Williams is back for her second year with the Sky and is better than ever. The veteran forward was an interior beast for Chicago during Saturday's game. Her combination of inside scoring, rebounding, and rim protection earned “unreal” praise from Weatherspoon.
“It's unreal what she did for us and I'm super excited for her, the confidence that's building every day in her. And you can see it,” Weatherspoon said.
When Kamilla Cardoso returns, Williams will provide some of the best bench support in the league. All of Chicago's contributors are beginning to find their place on the team. As the 2024 WNBA season continues to heat up, the Sky want to keep rolling.
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