The Chicago Sky's quest for a victory in the Commissioner's Cup took an early hit, falling to the Washington Mystics 90-72. The game's narrative was set early on, with the Sky unable to maintain their initial momentum, trailing by a single point after the first quarter. The Mystics' second-quarter surge, fueled by a dominant performance, proved to be the turning point, as they outscored the Sky 22-16, setting the stage for a decisive third quarter where they piled on 27 points, ultimately sealing the game's fate.
The Mystics' triumph was multifaceted. They dominated the glass, securing 46 rebounds, with 17 of those being offensive boards, a key factor in their ability to control the pace of the game. Additionally, the Sky's struggles with turnovers were evident, as they committed 19, leading to 24 Washington points. This was a significant contrast to the Sky's strong defensive showing, particularly through the efforts of Kamilla Cardoso.
Cardoso, a standout performer, showcased her versatility with a career-high six blocks, including a remarkable four in the second half. Her physical presence in the paint was a cornerstone of Chicago's defense, and she complemented this with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, achieving her fifth double-double of the season. Azurá Stevens, despite being on a minutes restriction, also made history, reaching 300 career assists, alongside seven points, five rebounds, a steal, and two blocks.
The Sky's bench contributors were notable as well. Sydney Taylor, an undrafted rookie, made a significant impact with 15 points on 46.0% shooting and four steals in just 20 minutes, proving her worth. Skylar Diggins continued her consistent performance with 14 points in her fifth straight double-digit game, while Elizabeth Williams contributed 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 23 minutes.
On the other side, the Mystics' offense shone even without their leading scorer, Sonia Citron, who sat out due to a left foot sprain. Shakira Austin led the way with 17 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, while 2025 All-Star Kiki Iriafen added 15 points and 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Former Sky forward Michaela Onyenwere provided a spark off the bench, scoring 13 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
The loss marks a setback for the Sky, who now face the Connecticut Sun at home on Friday. With a chance to turn their fortunes around, the game promises to be a pivotal moment in their season. The Sky will need to address their turnover issues and capitalize on the strong defensive performances from Cardoso and others to secure their first home win of the season.
