Recap: DeShields, outside shooting lead Sky past Mercury, 82-75

The Chicago Sky won consecutive games for the first time in 2019, beating the Phoenix Mercury, 82-75. Chicago remains undefeated at home, improving to 3-0 at Wintrust Arena after Tuesday’s victory.

What was a tight game at the half turned decidedly in the Sky’s favor during the third quarter. Chicago was able to hold Phoenix to just 14 points in the frame while extending its lead well into double digits, knocking down six of its 12 three-pointers in the third quarter alone.

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Leading the charge for the Sky was Diamond DeShields. The second-year guard had one of the best games of her young career, scoring 25 points on 10-of-19 shooting while also flashing the lockdown defensive potential that makes her such an exciting talent. It was already the third time this season that DeShields eclipsed 20 points.

Phoenix was led once again by DeWanna Bonner, who played a spectacular all-around game. Bonner — who currently leads the WNBA in scoring at 24.2 points per game — stuffed the stat sheet with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists in just over 37 minutes.

Chicago was without first-round draft pick Katie Lou Samuelson, who will be sidelined for at least three weeks after suffering a fractured wrist. Though she hadn’t been playing heavy minutes to this point, Samuelson’s absence figures to force Gabby Williams and Kahleah Copper into more playing time on the perimeter.

Up next

Phoenix will have a few days to regroup before returning home to take on the Los Angeles Sparks, a game that will be televised on CBS Sports Network. Chicago, meanwhile, is off until Saturday when the Sky will head south to play the Fever in Indiana.