A pair of WNBA teams square off in the Pacific Northwest in an inter-conference game on the parquet floor. In the second game of a two-game set, the Chicago Sky are on the road as they head to Seattle to take on the Storm. The Sky won the first game of the two-game set 73-69 on the road Friday night to guarantee no worse than a split. Although Chicago has won both of their encounters this season and both of their games have taken place after the Olympic break, the Storm has won seven of the last 11 meetings between the teams. Will the Sky beat Seattle three times in a row, or will the Storm be able to split the two-game series?
Chicago Sky will be seeking a Third Straight Road Win
After losing four of its previous five games, Chicago has won two consecutive away games after winning here in Seattle on Friday night. The Sky was 13-12 as of Saturday and are currently sixth in the WNBA playoff standings, three games ahead of the ninth-place Sparks to stay in the postseason. On Friday night, Chicago had an early five-point lead before falling behind by two in the first quarter. At the half, they were four down, and by the third quarter, they were up to eight.
Before embarking on a 9-2 run to take a 72-67 lead with 34.5 seconds left and hold on for the victory, Chicago trailed by four points after three quarters and by two points with four minutes remaining. In order to make up for the game’s 18 turnovers, the Sky shot 42 percent from the field, including seven of 23 from three-point range, and kept Seattle to 36.8 percent shooting. Kahleah Copper scored 26 points to lead Chicago to victory.
Seattle Storm Looking for Revenge and to Split Series at Home
Seattle lost twice in a row on Friday night, dropping to 2-4, suggesting that they have been having trouble since the Olympic break. The Storm had an overall record of 18-9 as of Saturday and was two games behind the Sun for first place in the WNBA playoff standings. On Friday night, Seattle went on an 8-1 run to end the first quarter and establish a two-point lead. Before things started to fall apart, the Storm had leads of four at the half, eight after three quarters, and two with four minutes remaining. With just a minute left, Seattle lost five points after giving up a 9-2 run and was unable to rally.
In the defeat, the Storm committed 17 turnovers while shooting just 36.8% from the floor, including just three of 17 from beyond the arc. Seattle’s Breanna Stewart led the team with 18 points and 8 rebounds despite the defeat.
Prediction: Storm for a Win
Since the Olympic break, Seattle has struggled, possibly because their team of Olympians is worn out. However, the Storm are playing at home, which should advantage them as they are still one of the best teams in the league. Seattle is +3.3 points per game better at home this year, where they are 8-4. Chicago has won two straight away games, going 9-4 overall with a +5.6 ppg scoring margin. It’s challenging to imagine the Sky winning both games on the road. Stewart, Bird, and Loyd are expected to improve on their performance from the last time around. Seattle is likely to triumph in this game at home.
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