Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Sky concluded their four-game road trip with a narrow defeat against the Washington Mystics, losing 79-81 at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia on July 8. This loss brings the Sky's record to 5-13 for the season, including a 3-9 record on the road and a 1-8 record against Eastern Conference teams. Historically, the Sky are now 34-39 against the Mystics.

Angel Reese was a standout performer for the Sky, scoring 22 points and adding 15 rebounds and four assists. Her streak of consecutive games with at least 15 rebounds extended to six games, setting a league record. Elizabeth Williams also contributed significantly with a season-high of 20 points and seven rebounds.

Rachel Banham continued her strong form by scoring in double figures with 13 points, including three three-pointers. She also added four rebounds, three assists, and two steals to her performance. Ariel Atkins chipped in with 11 points along with five assists, three steals, and two blocks while Kia Nurse scored eight points coming off the bench.

The game was closely contested throughout with both teams exchanging leads multiple times—10 lead changes and 14 ties were recorded during play. In the final minute of play, Sonia Citron's three-pointer followed by Brittney Sykes' jump shot gave the Mystics a slight edge at 77-74. Banham quickly responded for Chicago by sinking another three-pointer to level scores again.

Shakira Austin played an essential role for Washington; she scored key baskets towards closing moments of play including crucial free throws which secured victory for her team just before time expired. Austin ended up leading scorers from Mystic’s side having tallied up totals such as: fifteen (15)points plus eight (8)rebounds alongside other contributions across different categories like assists or defensive actions too.

Rookie Kiki Iriafen achieved notable accomplishment securing herself double-double statistics via eleven(11)points coupled together ten(10)rebounds amongst others while further supporting efforts made by those teammates around them namely Aaliyah Edwards,Jade Melbourne & Stefanie Dolson whose collective twenty-point output provided necessary boost when needed most.