Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Sky will conclude their two-game west coast road trip on Tuesday, May 27, facing the Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury have restructured their roster after a disappointing last season, adding Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally during the offseason.

These changes have been effective early in the season as the Mercury hold a 3-1 record. Sabally leads with an average of 19.8 points, complemented by 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Thomas contributes with averages of 16.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.

The team also benefits from rookie players' performances. Monique Akoa-Makani starts at point guard with averages of 10 points and 2 assists over four games. Kathryn Westbeld starts at center for the Mercury with averages of 6 points and 4 rebounds per game while Lexi Held contributes an average of 6.8 points.

Kahleah Copper, who averaged 21.1 points last season for the Mercury and was the former Sky Finals MVP in 2021, will miss this matchup due to injury.

For the Sky, attention is on whether they focus their efforts on perimeter shooting or inside play against Phoenix's defense strategy.

Chicago has bolstered its three-point shooting capabilities in the offseason but found success in their previous game against the Sparks primarily through scoring in the paint despite attempting numerous three-pointers.

Phoenix ranks second in limiting opponents' three-point percentage at just 27.3% but is mid-ranked for two-pointers allowed.

Additionally, Courtney Vandersloot is nearing significant milestones for Chicago Sky history—she needs eight more field goals and another twenty-three points to lead franchise records in both categories.