The Chicago Sky are building momentum early on in the 2024 WNBA season. Chicago has won two straight games since their debut loss against the Dallas Wings on May 15th. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon is doing all she can to put the Sky in a position to win. She spoke on how Angel Reese and the rest of the team's stout contributors are gaining mastery of their roles.
The Sky pulled off a thrilling 90-81 victory over the New York Liberty on May 23rd. New York entered the game undefeated, so Chicago knew their work was cut out for them. The Sky put on an admirable two-way performance, which Teresa Weatherspoon attributed to each team member finding their place.
“Everybody on this team knows what their role is.” Weatherspoon said after Thursday night's game. “You don't just play the role, you master your role. So we're learning to master our role and we're holding it down until they get back.”
Weatherspoon emphasized that preparation is a key part of how each player can do their respective task.
“We don't hope what the role is, we know what the role is, and that's the difference….every role is important to success, Weatherspoon added.
Examples of the Sky embracing their roles
There are countless examples of role players and starters embracing their roles. First, Elizabeth Williams has done a stellar job at the center position supporting Angel Reese and filling in for Kamilla Cardoso while she recovers from injury. Williams averages an earnest 11.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.
William's two-way interior presence has done wonders for Chicago. She came up huge in the Sky's 83-74 win over the Wings on May 18th, amassing 12 points, 10 rebounds, and a whopping five blocks along with five steals.
Teresa Weatherspoon praised Williams' tenacity after her standout game.
Weatherspoon called Williams “special” and said she helped tremendously by battling in the paint and being an anchor against the Wings.
“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.
Elizabeth Williams is not the only one embracing her role on the team. In addition to being the team's go-to scorer, Marina Mabrey has accepted the challenge of being an improved playmaker for the Sky. She averages a team-high 6.0 assists per game. In addition, her offense remains solid with her 18-point contest mark.
Mabrey's backcourt partner Dana Evans is also taking a playmaking leap. After averaging 3.0 assists per game in 2023, Evans has risen to 5.3 through her first three games of 2024. Evans and Mabrey's playmaking ascent comes at the right time.
The Sky lost the services of veteran guard Courtney Williams to the Minnesota Lynx after her lone 2023 season in Chicago. Williams led the Sky in assists (6.3 per game), so it was vital for the team to replace her contributions.
Some other notable Chicago players providing a great supportive presence are Diamond Deshields and Chennedy Carter. The two guards have been offensive sparkplugs and look to continue to help the Sky amass wins.
The rise of a rookie
Angel Reese is one of the most intriguing pieces on the Sky roster. Through three games, she is averaging 12.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. Reese has been an impressive fourth-quarter presence for Chicago. Namely, she helped the team rally and win their first game of the season against the Wings. Then, she aided the Sky to their impressive victory over the reigning Eastern Conference champion New York Liberty.
As the Sky kick off their home debut, it will be interesting to see how the team continues to play together and develop chemistry.
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