The Chicago Sky (15-22) survived a massive collapse to edge the Golden State Valkyries (25-11) 73-70 on Friday night, as Sydney Taylor hit a pull-up three with 1.6 seconds left.
The Chicago Sky (15-22) withstood a furious Golden State Valkyries (25-11) comeback to secure a 73-70 victory on Friday night, as Sydney Taylor’s pull-up three-pointer with 1.6 seconds remaining sealed the win after Chicago squandered a 21-point lead. The dramatic finish at Wintrust Arena gave the Sky their third straight victory and handed the Valkyries a second consecutive loss.
Chicago Sky: Clutch Shooting and Steady Leadership
Natasha Cloud led the Sky with 17 points, continuing her recent scoring surge after dropping a career-high 35 points against New York on August 18. Courtney Vandersloot orchestrated the offense with a team-high 5 assists, while Kamilla Cardoso dominated the glass with 10 rebounds. Taylor’s game-winning shot was the exclamation point on a night where Chicago showed resilience despite nearly letting the game slip away.
The Sky’s defense was stout early, building a 21-point cushion, but they struggled to maintain that intensity as the Valkyries clawed back. Cloud, who also spoke out after the game about the bizarre interruption when multiple sex toys were thrown onto the court, kept her composure throughout. Chicago’s bench will need to step up again with Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, and Iliana Rupert all out, while DiJonai Carrington remains day-to-day.
Golden State Valkyries: Late Rally Falls Short
Laeticia Amihere led all scorers with 16 points for the Valkyries, who fought back from a 21-point deficit to tie the game before Taylor’s heroics. Tiffany Hayes stuffed the stat sheet with 4 assists and a team-leading 7 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback. Golden State’s depth was tested with Carrington day-to-day and Diggins, Jackson, and Rupert all sidelined.
The Valkyries, who had already clinched a playoff berth, remain second in the Western Conference Division at 25-11. Their late push showed character, but the inability to close out the game will sting as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the WNBA-best Minnesota Lynx on Monday.
Turning Point: Taylor’s Clutch Three
Sydney Taylor’s pull-up three with 1.6 seconds left was the decisive moment, but the real turning point came earlier when the Valkyries erased the 21-point lead. After trailing by a wide margin, Golden State surged in the second half, tying the game and setting the stage for Taylor’s game-winner. Chicago’s ability to execute in the final seconds, despite nearly blowing the game, proved to be the difference.
What It Means
For the Sky, this win extends their winning streak to three games and provides a boost as they host the Indiana Fever on August 23. Despite a 15-22 record and a 3-10 mark in Eastern Conference play, Chicago is fighting to stay relevant in the playoff picture. For the Valkyries, the loss is a missed opportunity to build momentum ahead of a tough test against Minnesota, who beat them 77-66 on August 19. Golden State’s seeding remains in play, and Monday’s game is a big swing.
- Natasha Cloud led Chicago with 17 points, while Laeticia Amihere paced Golden State with 16.
- Kamilla Cardoso grabbed 10 rebounds for the Sky; Tiffany Hayes had 7 for the Valkyries.
- Courtney Vandersloot dished 5 assists, tying for the game high.
- Both teams are dealing with injuries: DiJonai Carrington is day-to-day, while Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, and Iliana Rupert are out.
- The game was interrupted by objects thrown onto the court, which Natasha Cloud called “weird” behavior.
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