The Chicago Sky know maintaining any momentum earned from a solid start will be a serious challenge.
That said, the Sky will try to defeat the visiting Minnesota Lynx for the second time this week on Saturday afternoon.
The revamped Sky (3-2) have been an early surprise but lost leading scorer Rickea Jackson after four games due to a season-ending knee injury. Jackson was hurt during Chicago’s gritty 86-79 win at Minnesota on Sunday.
The Sky fell 99-89 to Dallas in its home opener Wednesday, and first full game without Jackson.
Despite the loss, Sky coach Tyler Marsh is confident his experienced-laden roster led by Skylar Diggins (12.8 ppg, 5.3 apg), Kamilla Cardoso (14.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg) and Natasha Cloud (11.5 ppg) can remain successful without Jackson. Established stars Courtney Vandersloot, Azura Stevens and DiJonai Carrington remain out while recovering from injuries.
“We just have a different type of roster and a different type of versatility that we can explore this year,” Marsh said.
“I think we have enough right now.”
Cardoso had 24 points, 11 rebounds and five assists against Dallas, but the Sky shot 5-of-21 from 3-point range. They also allowed the Wings to hit half of their 72 shot attempts and go 9-of-21 from 3-point range.
Chicago held the Lynx (3-2) to 31.8% shooting from beyond the arc and forced 15 turnovers while holding the club to its fewest points on the young season.
Minnesota, playing without its own superstar in Napheesa Collier, rebounded from that defeat with a 100-72 rout of expansion Toronto on Thursday. Reserve Maya Caldwell scored 16 points to lead five players in double figures for the Lynx, who shot 55.1% overall while making 10 of 24 shots from 3-point range.
“We’re growing through every game,” said Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles, averaging 15.2 points and 5.6 assists.
Kayla McBride (15.6 ppg) scored 20 points against the Sky last weekend and has averaged 16.8 points in her last five versus Chicago.
The Sky’s own prized rookie, Gabriela Jacquez (12.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg), looks for another big effort against the Lynx after collecting 20 points and eight boards at Minnesota.
–Field Level Media
