CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky earned one of their most impressive victories of the season Saturday, defeating the Las Vegas Aces 84-83 in a thrilling finish at Wintrust Arena.
Chicago entered the fourth quarter trailing 65-55, but refused to surrender against one of the WNBA’s top-tier teams. The Sky outscored Las Vegas 29-18 over the final 10 minutes, using timely shooting, aggressive defense, and relentless effort to complete the comeback.
The victory improved Chicago’s record to 11-18, while Las Vegas fell to 20-9.
Chicago’s comeback was powered by Sydney Taylor, who delivered a sensational performance with a career-high 29 points. Taylor shot 11-of-27 from the field and knocked down 5-of-11 three-pointers, providing several clutch baskets as the Sky stormed back in the fourth quarter.
Natasha Cloud added 11 points and four assists, while DiJonai Carrington scored 10 points off the bench. Aicha Coulibaly and Kamilla Cardoso each finished with eight points, with Cardoso making her biggest impact on the defensive end. The second-year center grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds, including four offensive boards, while adding a steal and a blocked shot to anchor the Sky’s interior defense.
Veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot once again filled the stat sheet with seven points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals, providing steady leadership and helping spark Chicago’s fourth-quarter rally with her defensive intensity and playmaking.
Las Vegas was led by another dominant performance from A’ja Wilson, who poured in a game-high 36 points while collecting 12 rebounds for a double-double. Wilson shot 13-of-27 from the field, converted 9-of-12 free throws, and added four assists, one steal, and two blocked shots, doing everything she could to keep the Aces in front.
Jackie Young contributed an outstanding all-around game with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while NaLyssa Smith added 17 points and six rebounds, giving Las Vegas three players who scored in double figures.
Although the Aces shot 43.2 percent from the field compared to Chicago’s 40.3 percent, the Sky made the difference from beyond the arc. Chicago connected on 8-of-20 three-pointers (40 percent), while Las Vegas was limited to 5-of-22 (22.7 percent) from long range.
Chicago also won the rebounding battle 32-31, a testament to Cardoso’s work inside and the collective effort from the guards crashing the glass. Despite missing eight free throws and committing 14 turnovers, the Sky never lost confidence.
The defining moment came in the fourth quarter. Trailing by 10 entering the final period, Chicago tightened its defense, forced difficult possessions, and executed offensively when it mattered most. Every defensive stop energized the crowd, and every timely basket brought the Sky closer until they completed one of their most memorable comebacks of the season.
The victory represents more than just another mark in the win column. It serves as a statement that the young Sky can compete with, and defeat, the WNBA’s elite when they play with confidence, toughness, and togetherness.
The Sky will look to build on that momentum when they return to Wintrust Arena on Monday, August 3, for another important home matchup.
And yes, I proudly wore my pink and green to support my soror, A’ja Wilson, the Queen of the WNBA, who once again put on a phenomenal performance. But on this afternoon, the Chicago Sky had the final word, earning a signature victory over one of the league’s best teams.
