Sky Match Up Against Fever for Final Time 

Preview: Sky Match Up Against Fever for Final Time 

By Sarah Disbro

The Chicago Sky will look to get their first win over the Indiana Fever this season on Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT. Gainbridge Fieldhouse will host the fourth and remaining assembly between the 2 groups this yr. 

The groups performed one another final on Aug. 9 in Indiana, the place the Fever received 92-70. Indiana at present sits within the eighth and remaining playoff spot, however has not clinched an look. A win would assist them safe their possibilities. The Sky will look to make the Fever’s street to the post-season tougher with their eleventh win of the season. 

Last trip the Sky struggled to get their offense going as solely two gamers scored in double figures. Rachel Banham led the group with 11 factors and three assists, whereas rookie Maddy Westbeld had a profession night time of 10 factors and 6 rebounds. 

The Sky have grown within the month of August as their offense has discovered its rhythm. Chicago is coming off an 88-point win towards the Sun the place 5 gamers scored in double digits. The Sky ought to look to search out their shot early on as they’ve their greatest video games towards the Fever once they set up themselves within the first quarter. 

The paint will likely be key for Chicago as they solely scored 26 factors final time towards Indiana. Their bigs in Kamilla Cardoso and Elizabeth Williams mixed for simply 14 factors, however each discovered success within the rebounding battle. Cardoso hauled in 12 rebounds and Williams eight. The Sky may discover simple baskets offensively if they’ll proceed their success on the glass. 

For the Fever, they shot 47.1% from the sector and 39.3% from three-point vary of their residence enviornment. Look for the Sky to try to disrupt Indiana’s offense because the group has been holding groups under their season averages in current video games. 

Kelsey Mitchell as soon as once more led Indiana in scoring with 26 factors and eight assists. Defensively, will probably be vital to comprise Mitchell, who averages 20.5 factors per sport and controls many of the Fever’s offense. 

Lexie Hull had 17 factors and three assists, whereas Sophie Cunningham added 16 factors. Aliyah Boston added 15 factors and was restricted on the boards to only 4 rebounds.

In the final matchup, the Sky had been profitable in defending the ball as they solely had 11 turnovers. If Chicago is to get the win they might want to proceed to restrict turnovers, whereas placing the strain on Indiana. 

What to observe from the Sky: Their versatility on offense. 

Chicago was capable of finding success within the final sport towards Indiana once they had massive performances by their bench. The Sky outscored the Fever’s bench 30-17. Kia Nurse has been in a position to come up massive in current video games as she is averaging 10.6 factors off the bench, whereas being a three-point risk. 

Elizabeth Williams is coming off a 10-point outing off the bench as she is ready to bolster the paint. Westbeld confirmed she matched up properly towards the Fever on each side of the ball when the groups final performed. 

Look for various gamers from the Sky to attain, and the hot button is getting Nurse concerned from three-point vary. Chicago has proven that on any given night time a participant can step up and be a risk on offense.