The Chicago Sky took on the Atlanta Dream for the final time this season, and there was a lot on the line. Both teams came into this game with a 13-25 overall record, and in a three-way tie with the Washington Mystics who also had the same record.
It was a fight for the eighth spot, which was the last playoff spot. With the Sky leading the season series 2-1, a loss for the Dream would eliminate them from playoff contention. A win for them would keep their playoff hopes alive.
For the Sky, a loss for them plus a win for the Mystics would eliminate them from playoff contention. Because Washington won the season series 3-1, the only way the Sky can stave off elimination with a loss is if the Mystics lose as well.
Both Chennedy Carter and Kamilla Cardoso were ruled out due to injuries. With Diamond DeShields, Angel Reese and Elizabeth Williams already out for the season, the Sky only had eight available players.
It was announced prior to the game that Aerial Powers would miss the rest of the season due to a calf injury. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus was also ruled out for the season a few weeks prior.
Game Recap
Rachel Banham got the start for the Sky and scored the first six points. Brianna Turner also got the start in place of Cardoso, which was her first of the season. Both teams took turns making shots until the Dream ended the first quarter on a 10-4 run.
The run increased to a 23-7 in the second quarter and they stretched the lead quickly. They led by as many as 18 as the fouls for the Sky started piling up. Turner had three fouls in the first half, which was not a good sign as the frontcourt depth was already thin due to the injuries. Banham also had three fouls, but she remained on the floor as Chicago needed all the scoring they could get.
Despite the foul trouble and lack of depth, the Sky did not go down that easily. They went on a 9-3 run, with part of that run starting at the end of the second quarter. Chicago's offense began to flow smoothly, which allowed them to gain momentum. They got the lead down to eight as they started getting to the free throw and making tough shots.
The Dream's lack of energy in the third quarter plus leaving points at the line allowed the game to get close. The Sky would cut the lead to six after a 13-4 run, with Atlanta going almost four minutes without a made field goal. Banham continued to make it rain from three, while Isabelle Harrison and Michaela Onyenwere made their contributions.
The Dream finally regained the momentum, going on a 5-0 run to push the lead back to double digits. Jordin Canada took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points on 100 FG% along with two assists and two steals. They closed the game on an 11-5 run to get the win.
Chasing Sylvia Fowles
Tina Charles finished with a double-double consisting of 16 points and 14 rebounds. This was her 193rd career double-double, tying her with Sylvia Fowles for the most in WNBA history.
She also became the second player to reach the 4k rebound milestone. Fowles is the only other player to reach that milestone, and currently sits as the all-time leader in rebounds. But that will not be the case for long, as Charles is three rebounds away from becoming the new all-time leader.
She will have the chance to become the all-time rebound leader as well as all-time double-double leader when the Dream take on the Liberty in their final regular season game, where she spent a good part of her career. She is currently the Liberty's all-time leader in points, rebounds, field goals made/attempted, and free throws made/attempted.
Playoff Implications
With this win, Atlanta keeps their playoff hopes alive and takes the eighth seed. Despite the loss, Chicago remains alive in playoff contention due to Washington losing to New York. With the last day of the regular season on Thursday, September 19, the race for the eighth spot will come down to the wire.
The Dream will take on the Liberty, the Sky will take on the Sun, and the Mystics will host the Fever. With the Liberty clinching the one seed, it would not be a surprise if they rest some of their players. The Sun sit as the third seed, but a loss plus an Aces win could drop them to the fourth seed. The Fever have already clinched the sixth seed, so they will play either the Aces or Sun in the first round.
Here is how Atlanta can make the playoffs: Win against the Liberty; Atlanta, Chicago and Washington all lose; or Atlanta and Chicago loses but Washington wins; Atlanta, Chicago and Washington all win.
Here is how Chicago can make the playoffs: Win against the Sun along with Atlanta and Washington losing.
Here is how Washington can make the playoffs: Win against the Fever plus a Chicago win and Atlanta loss.
Of the three teams, Atlanta has the most control over their destiny. But they will need to ensure they take care of business against the Liberty because anything can happen. Even though the scenarios favor Atlanta, it will be a fight to the finish.
Photo Courtesy: Christina Merrion/Swish Appeal
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