Uncasville, CT - We have a series on our hands as the Sun take down the Sky in game two of the WNBA Semifinals. Game two was very different from game one, outside of the apparent outcome. Both teams had their ups and downs but fought hard until the end.
Alyssa Thomas Steps Up For Sun
Jonquel Jones had an unusual night for someone who just won league MVP. She played nine minutes in the first half and finished with 1 rebound. She did not score her first bucket until there were three minutes left in the third quarter. She ended up playing 24 minutes, scoring 4 points with 7 rebounds.
With Jones disappearing in game two, the Sun needed someone to step up and Alyssa Thomas was that person.
A quick synopsis of Alyssa Thomas' night: Que Momma Thomas
Without the help of Thomas, the Sun might not have had a chance tonight. She was everything and more tonight. Especially with it being a back and forth game until the fourth. Thomas killed the Sky from the inside tonight. Finishing with 15 points, shot 6-13 from the field, and picked up 11 rebounds and 6 assists.
Sun's Energy
As a team, they have to feel great about coming out with the win. After losing game one, then being down 11-0 in the first quarter. To then come back to only be down two to close out the first. The fight this team has is something the Sky tends to lack. Although they can be out of it at times. They never allow themselves to dwell on it. They pick each other up and continue to play. That is why they are the one seed in the playoffs and why they finished with the best record in the WNBA.
Sky Lack Intensity Once Again
As mentioned before, Chicago has struggled heavily this season with maintaining energy and momentum when they catch themselves in a slump. They showed moments of high intense energy when they were up and when they were down, they would lose that drive. Which might have been their downfall tonight.
This was a game the Sky could have easily won if they did not rush themselves and continued to pick each other up when shots were not falling.
Chicago went on a 0-9 run in the fourth. Their first points in the fourth quarter did not come until the quarter was half over. Coach Wade needed to utilize his timeouts more. The fourth quarter was easily their worst quarter of this game. Allie Quigley was rushing threes the entire quarter. There were so many opportunities for the Sky to get back into a rhythm and come out with a win, but they got down on themselves and rushed themselves.
Outside of these issues, there is still hope for Sky fans moving forward. Game three will be at home at Wintrust Arena in South Loop, Chicago. Fans will bring that high intensity the Sky players can feed off.
Sun win 79-68.
What's Next
Sky will host the Sun on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN. (Look it does not have a number after it! LET'S GO!!)
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