Chicago Sky snapped a six-game skid with a 93-86 home win over the New York Liberty on Tuesday night, powered by Natasha Cloud’s career-high 35 points.
The Chicago Sky defeated the New York Liberty 93-86 on Tuesday night at Wintrust Arena, snapping a six-game losing streak behind a career-high 35-point eruption from guard Natasha Cloud. The Sky (14-22) used a dominant second half to overcome a Liberty team that was shorthanded and unable to keep pace despite strong performances from Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.
Sky’s Offensive Explosion Led by Cloud
Natasha Cloud was the engine of Chicago’s attack, pouring in a career-high 35 points on efficient shooting while adding nine rebounds and six assists. Her scoring outburst marked the second consecutive strong outing after a 20-point performance in a road win over Seattle on Sunday. Kamilla Cardoso anchored the interior with 12 rebounds, giving the Sky a physical presence on the glass that proved vital in a tight contest.
Chicago’s balanced effort saw multiple contributors step up, but it was Cloud’s ability to create her own shot and knock down perimeter looks that stretched the Liberty defense. The Sky improved to 5th in the Eastern Conference with the win, keeping their playoff hopes alive in a crowded race.
Liberty’s Short-Handed Effort Falls Short
New York (22-15) entered Tuesday’s game with a depleted roster, missing six players due to injury, including Jonquel Jones, Satou Sabally, Leonie Fiebich, DiJonai Carrington, Skylar Diggins, and Rickea Jackson. Despite the absences, Breanna Stewart delivered 22 points and seven rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu dished out 12 assists to keep the offense flowing.
The Liberty fought to stay within striking distance throughout, but the lack of depth eventually caught up. Aicha Coulibaly was listed as day-to-day, adding to the uncertainty. New York remains 3rd in the Eastern Conference at 22-15, but the injury crisis is putting their playoff positioning at risk.
Turning Point: Cloud’s Third-Quarter Run
The game swung in the third quarter when Cloud caught fire, scoring 14 of her 35 points in the period. Her burst helped Chicago build a double-digit lead that New York could never fully erase. The Liberty cut the deficit to five in the final minutes, but Cloud’s timely baskets and Cardoso’s rebounding sealed the result.
Key stats from the game:
- Natasha Cloud: 35 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists (career-high points)
- Kamilla Cardoso: 12 rebounds, anchoring the Sky’s interior
- Breanna Stewart: 22 points, 7 rebounds for the Liberty
- Sabrina Ionescu: 12 assists, team-high for New York
- Chicago outrebounded New York 38-30, led by Cardoso’s 12
What It Means for Both Teams
For the Sky, the win snaps a six-game slide and provides a much-needed boost as they push for a playoff spot. Cloud’s scoring surge and Cardoso’s consistency on the glass are encouraging signs, but Chicago still sits at 14-22 and will need to string together wins. They host the Golden State Valkyries on Friday night, a team with title aspirations.
The Liberty, meanwhile, are dealing with a mounting injury list that threatens their top-four seeding. With a game against the Indiana Fever on Friday, New York will need to find answers quickly. The return of any of their sidelined players would be a major lift, but as of now, the rotation remains thin.
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