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CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky took on the test of Cameron Brink and the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night at Wintrust Arena. The Sky used their hounding defense and improved playmaking as a catalyst for an 83-73 win that saw the team get back to the .500 mark. Starting guard Marina Mabrey had another standout night and revealed the secret behind Chicago's skid-snapping win.
Marina Mabrey, the catalyst for the Sky's much-needed win over the Sparks
Mabrey led Chicago with a team-high 20 points and seven assists to go with seven rebounds. Her offensive rhythm helped the Sky gain a lead on the Sparks early, and she believes that the team's ball movement allowed them to keep the pressure on.
“It's having that patience offensively…Sometimes it's just better to move [the ball] and get the easier shot, and that was something we worked on from last game because we felt like we didn't do it as much,” Mabrey said during the post-game press conference.
The sixth-year guard played the role of both the passer and the passee to help Chicago's offense thrive. Mabrey knocked shots down with high accuracy, amassing a blazing 54.5 percent on three-pointers. It seems like her offense has no limit. After all, she has improved her points per game mark every year she has been in the WNBA. Mabrey gave insight into the work she does to elevate her game.
“Just going into the offseason, nitpicking my offense,” Mabrey shared.
Mabrey said working on her post-game, mid-range, and getting to the basket has allowed her to continually develop better efficiency and feel for the game. Yet, she attributes as much of her success to her teammates.
“Having teammates that are willing to get me the ball at places that I can be successful and [them] being unselfish about it,” Mabrey added.
Marina Mabrey's teammates had her back on Thursday night and did not disappoint.
Chicago's backcourt, and prized center continue to shine
Dana Evans completed the Sky's backcourt attack by contributing 15 points and a career-high five steals. Evans' defensive effort seamlessly captured Chicago's mentality against the Sparks. The Sky were intent on not giving the Sparks an inch during the first half. They held LA to a lowly 16.7 percent on three-pointers by halftime.
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Moreover, Chicago's defensive activity gave rise to the team getting plenty of transition buckets, which was highlighted by Teresa Weatherspoon.
“But of course when comes to the defensive side of the ball, that's what we hang our hat on. We were truly active with our hands in passing lanes, getting deflections, getting steals. We were out running. That makes us go,” the head coach said.
The Sky had a great team effort. However, one of the most impressive performances of the night came from Elizabeth Williams. The veteran center was the Player of the Game after totaling a stout 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. Weatherspoon held high praise for William's tremendous impact.
“She does all the little things right. And when you have a player who does all the little things right, some great things are going to happen. She has no problem with doing anything that's asked of her,” Weatherspoon revealed.
“[Williams] anchors us defensively, gets key blocks, rebounds, and then she's running the floor, setting screens, getting people open, and scores for us. She knows her role and plays it very well, and she's having a hell of a season.”
Williams played admirable defense against 2024 second-overall pick Cameron Brink, and of course, was a dominant inside-scoring and rebounding force. Williams will continue to be key for Chicago as a mentor for Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.
Los Angeles fell to 2-5 with their loss on Thursday night. Dearica Hamby scored a team-high 24 points, while Cameron Brink ended with seven points and six rebounds.
All in all, Chicago wants to keep their momentum and continue to climb the Eastern Conference standings. They will have another tough challenge against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on June 1st.
