The Chicago Sky are gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch against the Atlanta Dream on
Sunday, June 22. This road game marks their second encounter of the season, following a
decisive 88–70 defeat earlier in the month.
In the first matchup, played on June 13, Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard stole the spotlight with an
exceptional 36-point, eight-rebound performance—ranking as the second-highest individual
scoring game against the Sky this season. Teammate Allisha Gray also made an impact with 15
points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Despite Gray’s status as Atlanta’s leading scorer this
season with 20.2 points per game, Chicago managed to limit her overall impact.
The Sky’s defense did find success containing Atlanta’s powerful frontcourt. Brittney Griner, a
ten-time WNBA All-Star in her first season with the Dream, was held to just seven points and
four rebounds—well below her season averages of 10.5 points and 5.7 rebounds. Meanwhile,
Brionna Jones contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds, adding valuable depth to the Dream’s
lineup.
Atlanta’s current momentum stems from a balanced roster that mixes experienced veterans like
Gray, Griner, and Jones with rising stars including Howard and rookie Te-Hina Paopao, who
brings a spark off the bench.
Despite the final score, Chicago remained within striking distance for much of the game.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Sky trailed by just four points. Defensively, they excelled in
limiting Atlanta’s bench unit to five points—far below its average output of 18.0 points per
game.
Chicago also took advantage of Atlanta’s defensive vulnerabilities in the paint. The Dream allow
an average of 39.4 points in the paint per game, and the Sky responded accordingly, putting up
40 of their total points in that zone. Kamilla Cardoso had a strong showing with 15 points and
nine rebounds, building on her season-long efficiency of 54% shooting from the field.
Angel Reese continued to shine for Chicago as well, recording 12 points and nine rebounds.
Ariel Atkins matched Reese’s scoring output with 12 points and also contributed five assists.
Atkins has been a consistent performer this season, averaging 12.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.8
steals per game.
Chicago holds the historical edge in head-to-head matchups, with 37 wins compared to Atlanta’s
27.
Looking ahead to the rematch, all eyes are on how Atlanta will respond to Reese’s growing
influence on the court. With recent injuries among Chicago’s guard rotation, Reese has stepped
up her playmaking role significantly. Since early June, she has averaged nearly 4.8 assists per
game. Her standout moment came in mid-June against Connecticut, where she recorded her first
career triple-double, highlighted by 11 assists.
Sunday’s game promises to be more than just a rematch—it’s a statement opportunity for a rising
Sky team led by young stars ready to challenge the league’s best
