Chicago Sky Reach Dubious Milestone on Friday vs. Dream

Chicago Sky Reach Dubious Milestone on Friday vs. Dream originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Things have not quite gone the way the Chicago Sky had hoped here in the 2025 WNBA season, as the team entered Friday’s matchup in Atlanta at 2-6, facing the reaminder of their schedule without point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who is out with a torn ACL.

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But playing against a very good Atlanta squad that has come together quickly after some major offseason upheaval–including bringing in star Brittney Griner–the Sky accomplished something in the second quarter that qualifies as a milestone for the team: For the first time in three games, Chicago held a lead.

The play came with 6:32 to go in the second period and the Sky down, 23-22. Rachel Banham took a pass from Ariel Atkins and stepped into a 3-point try near the left break. It was true, and Chicago held the lead, 25-23.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) brings the ball up court in the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

It was a big moment considering the way the Sky’s previous two games had started. On Saturday against the Fever, the Sky were tied at 2-2 with 8:59 to play but were down by 10 less than five minutes later on their way to a 79-52 blowout.

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It was worse against the Liberty in the Sky’s next game, an 85-66 romp. Chicago trailed, 12-0, with 5:49 to go in the first period before the team even managed a point.

The Sky’s last lead came when they beat Dallas, 94-83, on May 31.

The good news for Chicago was that, heading into halftime in Atlanta, despite a late push from the Dream, the Sky still held the lead, 39-38, behind eight points each from frontcourt sophomores Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.