Candace Parker makes home debut, helps Sky end losing streak
CHICAGO -- — Candace Parker made her hometown debut for Chicago and Courtney Vandersloot led the way offensively with 17 points and nine assists as the Sky beat the Indiana Fever 92-76 on Wednesday night to snap a seven-game losing streak.
Parker returned home to Chicago in the offseason after a 13-year stint with the Los Angeles Sparks, but she entered having played just one game due to an ankle injury.
She struggled from the field, shooting 1 of 9 in 18 minutes, but she grabbed five rebounds and had a key steal in the fourth quarter.
Chicago led 25-12 after the first quarter, but had it cut to 62-58 with 1:18 left in the third quarter. Allie Quigley answered with a 3-pointer and Vandersloot scored the final four points of the period to extend Chicago's lead to 69-58.
Chicago made a season-high nine 3-pointers, and Indiana turned it over 16 times.
Azura Stevens and Stefanie Dolson each added 12 points for Chicago (3-7). Kahleah Copper had 11 and Quigley scored 10. Diamond DeShields needed to be helped off the floor midway through the fourth quarter.
Kelsey Mitchell scored 24 points, making six 3-pointers, for Indiana (1-10). Tiffany Mitchell added 20 points with six rebounds. Jantel Lavender had 14 points and seven rebounds, playing against her former team.
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Regular Season Series
CHI wins 3-0
Game Information
- Referees:
- Amy Bonner
- Randy Richardson
- Karleena Tobin
2023-24 Eastern Conference Standings
Team | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
New York | 32 | 8 | .800 | - | L1 |
Connecticut | 28 | 12 | .700 | 4 | W1 |
Indiana | 20 | 20 | .500 | 12 | L1 |
Atlanta | 15 | 25 | .375 | 17 | W3 |
Washington | 14 | 26 | .350 | 18 | W1 |
Chicago | 13 | 27 | .325 | 19 | L5 |