2021 WNBA Playoffs: Sky are semifinal-bound

The Chicago Sky, and Kahleah Copper in particular, have looked impressive through the first two rounds of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs. On Sunday at Target Center, Copper notched 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists as the Sky defeated the Minnesota Lynx 89-76 to advance to the semifinals.

Courtney Vandersloot (five assists, three steals) added 19 points to the winning cause. Copper had 23 points in the first round and Vandersloot had 17, giving them averages of 19.5 and 18 points per game, respectively in the postseason.

Although Candace Parker was held to just eight points, Azurá Stevens (15 points, eight rebounds, two steals), Diamond DeShields (14 points, two steals) and Allie Quigley (11 points) all scored in double figures to help lead Chicago past Minnesota.

The Sky took over in the earlier part of the second quarter and led the rest of the way. The Lynx cut it to six on a Kayla McBride three with 1:51 to go, but free throws, including five from Stevens, iced it from there.

Aerial Powers was phenomenal in her first playoff game in a Lynx uniform, going off for 24 points, four assists and two steals. Powers finished the regular season strong after dealing with a thumb injury and averaged 16.3 points per game in the six games she played in in 2020, so watch out for her next year.

McBride finished with 19 points and seven rebounds in defeat, while Sylvia Fowles didn’t get the ball nearly enough but still finished with 17 points, eight boards and two blocks. The Sky held superstar Napheesa Collier to just eight points.

Chicago won points in the paint 48-32 and fast break points 22-4 and was superb at the line (19-of-20). It overcame a 9-of-18 performance for Minnesota from beyond the arc.

The Sky will face the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals.