Chicago Sky’s 88-85 big win was nearly ruined by Sylvia Fowles return to Chicago with her Minnesota Lynx teammates. Courtney Vandersloot had other plans.
Fowles was originally drafted by the Sky with their second overall pick in the first round of the 2008 WNBA Draft. Fowles went on to play seven seasons in Chicago. During her time in Chicago, she almost averaged a double-double with 15.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. She won several awards and honors which included being named to the All Rookie Team and to three All-Star teams, two All WNBA First teams, and two ALL WNBA Second teams. The list goes on but another major side of her game was her defense which won her Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 and 2013. It’s mean 8 years since she’s left Chicago but her impact on the program is immeasurable.
It was great catching up with a former member of the Sky but this team isn’t going to let a former player’s reunion prevent them from a victory. Courtney Vandersloot made sure of that.
Sky and Lynx battled all night long as it would eventually come down to the final 10 seconds and later a key three as time expired.
Sky’s Allie Quigley gave the Sky a 3-point lead with 3 seconds to go with her two-made free throws. Lynx’s Kayla McBride drew a foul and tied up the game with three-straight made free throws with 7.6 seconds to go in the game.
During those final seconds, just about every Sky players touched the ball. Vandersloot originally tried to drive to the basket before passing it over to her teammate Emma Meesseman. Meeseman’s movement gave just enough room for Vandersloot to have enough room for a catch-and-shoot.
Sloot puts up the shot. Nothing but net. Sky win.
Vandersloot finished the night by leading all scorers with 18 points to go alongside 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and a steal. She went 7-of-13 from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point range.
Eastern Conference Player of the Week
Chicago Sky’s Courtney Vandersloot was named WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week after averaging 19.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game throughout the week.
She’s the second Sky player to earn this honor this season. Kahleah Copper was given the honor just last week.
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