Field Level Media
23 Sep 2021, 00:49 GMT+10
Diamond DeShields made WNBA history in the Chicago Sky's regular season finale Sunday night.
Can DeShields and her teammates make franchise history when they start the playoffs at home Thursday night in a single-elimination game against the Dallas Wings?
Chicago has never won a league title and has played in the championship series just once, getting swept in 2014 by Phoenix. The Sky's season 16-16 record isn't impressive, but their collection of talent is -- as is their record when Candace Parker has been healthy.
The Sky's seven-game losing streak in May and June was a byproduct of Parker being on the shelf with an injury. Since her return, they are five games above .500 and have proved they can beat anyone in the league.
They finished the regular season with a 98-87 home win over Indiana, highlighted by DeShields coming off the bench to tie her career high with 30 points. She became the first reserve to finish a WNBA game with at least 30 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Now the trick is to find a way to slow down the high-powered Dallas offense, which had its way in beating Chicago in two of three meetings this year. That includes a 100-91 decision on July 2 in Arlington, Texas.
"I think the keys are going to be transition and limiting them to one shot at the goal," said Sky coach James Wade. "We can't allow them second and third opportunities, and we have to be able to guard one-on-one. We have to stay solid in our schemes and not turn over the ball."
The Wings (14-18) enter off an 87-84 win Sunday over Los Angeles that knocked the Sparks out of playoff consideration. Dallas' ability to hit 3-pointers makes it a dangerous foe despite its sub-.500 record. The Wings made 10 triples on Sunday, the 10th time they've reached double figures this year in that category.
Arike Ogunbowale leads the Wings with 18.7 points per game. She scored 20 points on Sunday, marking the 17th time this year she has hit that mark.
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of Austin Globe news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Austin Globe.
More InformationSANTA CLARA, California: Executives at Nvidia have quietly been cashing in on the AI frenzy. According to a report by the Financial...
NEW YORK, New York - Global stock indices closed with divergent performances on Tuesday, as investors weighed corporate earnings, central...
TORONTO, Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced late on June 29 that trade negotiations with the U.S. have recommenced...
Vancouver, Canada: A high-stakes legal showdown is brewing in the world of athleisure. Lululemon, the Canadian brand known for its...
LONDON, U.K.: British oil giant Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire rival oil company BP. The Wall Street Journal...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock markets closed firmly in positive territory to start the week Monday, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones...
MEXICO CITY, Mexico: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said this week that her government is investigating possible environmental...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Walmart is set to close a major Sam's Club fulfillment center in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of a shift in...
Washington DC [US], July 2 (ANI): Actor Dwayne Johnson has a very special bond with singer and rapper Jelly Roll, and in fact, his...
Washington DC [US], July 2 (ANI): NASA astronaut Anil Menon has been assigned his first mission to the International Space Station,...
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 30 (ANI): Anupam Kher's upcoming directorial 'Tanvi The Great' is creating a buzz in the entertainment...
Dallas [US], June 30 (ANI): The South African stars of Texas Super Kings (TSK) rose to the occasion as they secured a commanding 39-run...