Kamilla Cardoso’s 24-point double-double wasn’t enough as the Connecticut Sun, led by Aaliyah Edwards’ career-high 26 points, topped the Chicago Sky 87-81.
The Connecticut Sun defeated the Chicago Sky 87-81 on Tuesday, August 25, at Mohegan Sun Arena. Aaliyah Edwards erupted for a career-high 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Diamond Miller added 21, lifting the Sun to a much-needed home win. Kamilla Cardoso countered with 24 points and 13 rebounds for the Sky, but Chicago’s depleted roster couldn’t overcome a balanced Connecticut attack.
Sun’s Offensive Balance Seals the Deal
Connecticut (10-28) snapped a four-game skid with a performance that showcased its depth. Edwards was unstoppable, hitting 10-of-15 from the field and adding a double-double. Diamond Miller chipped in 21 points, while Charlisse Leger-Walker orchestrated the offense with 7 assists. The Sun shot 48% from the floor and outscored the Sky in the paint, using a balanced scoring effort to build a lead they never relinquished.
The Sun’s defense also stepped up, forcing 14 turnovers and limiting Chicago’s second-chance opportunities. Despite missing four key players—Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Brittney Griner, Leila Lacan, and Iliana Rupert—Connecticut found enough firepower to edge a Sky team that was equally shorthanded.
Cardoso’s Double-Double Powers Short-Handed Sky
Chicago (15-24), playing without seven rotation players, leaned heavily on Kamilla Cardoso. The second-year center delivered a game-high-tying 24 points and 13 rebounds, her 12th double-double of the season. Courtney Vandersloot added 9 assists, but the Sky lacked consistent secondary scoring. Only two other Chicago players reached double figures, and the team shot just 42% from the field.
The Sky’s injury list was extensive: Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Brittney Griner, Leila Lacan, Natasha Cloud, DiJonai Carrington, Skylar Diggins, and Rickea Jackson were all out. Despite the absences, Chicago stayed competitive, cutting the lead to three in the fourth quarter before Connecticut closed on a 9-4 run.
Turning Point: Fourth-Quarter Surge
After Chicago trimmed the deficit to 78-75 with 4:12 remaining, the Sun responded with a decisive 7-0 spurt. Edwards converted a three-point play, then Miller hit a jumper and a free throw to push the lead to 85-75. The Sky never got closer than five the rest of the way.
The run was fueled by Connecticut’s defense, which forced two turnovers and held Chicago to 1-of-5 shooting during that stretch. It was a microcosm of the game: the Sun made key plays when it mattered, while the Sky’s patchwork lineup couldn’t find an answer.
What It Means for Both Teams
For the Sun, the win provides a rare bright spot in a difficult season. At 10-28 and 7th in the Eastern Conference, Connecticut is far out of playoff contention, but Edwards’ emergence offers hope for the future. The Sun face a quick turnaround with a road game against the Indiana Fever on Friday, August 28.
The Sky, meanwhile, remain in the hunt for a postseason spot, sitting 5th in the East at 15-24. With seven players sidelined, every game is a battle. Chicago travels to face the New York Liberty on Friday, August 29, and will need a healthier roster to compete against one of the league’s top teams.
Key Performers
- Aaliyah Edwards (CON): Career-high 26 points, 10 rebounds
- Diamond Miller (CON): 21 points
- Charlisse Leger-Walker (CON): 7 assists
- Kamilla Cardoso (CHI): 24 points, 13 rebounds
- Courtney Vandersloot (CHI): 9 assists
Both teams now shift focus to their next matchups, with the Sun traveling to Indiana and the Sky heading to New York. The outcome of this game may be a footnote in the standings, but for Edwards and Cardoso, it was a showcase of individual brilliance amid team struggles.
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