Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Sky are set to face the Dallas Wings for the second time this week, following their recent victory. The game is scheduled for Saturday, May 31. On Thursday, Chicago secured a 97-92 win over Dallas at Wintrust Arena, marking their first win of the season and improving their record to 1-4. Meanwhile, Dallas stands at 1-5.

Chicago's offense has shown improvement in recent games, highlighted by their season-high 97 points and 28 assists during Thursday's match. Courtney Vandersloot contributed significantly with nine assists.

Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings with an impressive 37 points against the Sky on Thursday. However, Dallas will be without top draft pick Paige Bueckers due to concussion protocol and Ty Harris, who also missed the last game. Bueckers had previously scored 15 points and provided eight assists in a prior matchup against Chicago.

In Thursday's game, Kamilla Cardoso achieved a career-high of 23 points for Chicago, scoring the team's first 12 points. The Sky slightly out-rebounded the Wings with a total of 34 rebounds compared to Dallas' 30, with Angel Reese leading Chicago with nine rebounds. Teaira McCowan was notable for Dallas with eight rebounds off the bench.

Historically, these teams have been closely matched; however, Chicago holds a slight advantage with a record of 29-26 against Dallas. Last season saw Chicago winning three out of four encounters between them.

Ariel Atkins will make her return to Texas as she continues to increase her scoring efforts. Over the past two games, she has averaged 19 points after initially averaging just 9.3 through her first three games. Atkins is shooting at rates of 44.9% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc.

As Chicago aims to further develop its offensive strategy, Atkins' performance could play a crucial role in establishing an effective inside-outside dynamic alongside teammates Cardoso and Reese.