South Loop, Chicago - Candace Parker came back home to Chicago back in January with plans of winning a title for her hometown. After signing the 2-time league MVP, the Sky became preseason favorites to win the title. With the hype came a lot of struggles for the Sky, facing a lot of injuries and adversity. They finished the season with a 16-16 record coming into the playoffs as a sixth seed.

As hopes of going deep into the playoffs looked slim, head coach James Wade was able to set a fire underneath his players. This team could not have started clicking at a better time as they are heading back to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2014. After becoming the first No. 6 seed to punch their ticket to the WNBA Finals under the league's new playoff format after beating No.1 seed Connecticut Sun79-69.

(Photo: Chicago Sky Twitter)

Stars Came To Play

From the start of game 4, you could feel who wanted it more. The Sky came out shooting in the first five minutes, going 3-3 from behind the arc and shot 70% from the field.

The threes were falling as Courtney Vandersloot paved the way. Despite turning the ball over 8 times. She made up for those mistakes by scoring 18 points, shooting 5-6 from behind the arc while picking up 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

Tonight's matchup ended without any lead changes or tie scores. However, Throughout the game, the Sky would go on scoreless runs allowing the Sun to cut the deficit. Kahleah Copper came up big to end these scoring droughts. Her intensity tonight was everything Chicago needed whenever they needed a spark. Copper would go on to end the night with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.

As for the hometown kid, Candace Parker stepped up big time tonight. Facing so much adversity this season, Parker planned to leave everything out on the floor. Forcing turnovers, blocking shots, and getting rebounds, she was going to protect her home court at all costs. Parker finished with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists while picking up 2 blocks.

Keys To Success

If the Chicago Sky can continue to take good shots, not get down on themselves when they struggle and play great defense. I do not see how they do not come out on top in the finals. They are a great physical team that can move the ball exceptionally well and when they are hot, do not miss from behind the arc.

What's Next

The WNBA Finals start on Sunday, October 10 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.