Chicago Sky Breaks Losing Streak with Historic Performance Against Connecticut Sun
The Chicago Sky secured a significant 78-66 victory over the Connecticut Sun, improving their 2025 WNBA season record to 3-7 and snapping a disappointing three-game losing streak. This win not only brought joy to Chicago fans but also marked the Sky’s first victory in the Commissioner’s Cup, a key tournament in this season’s WNBA schedule.
Angel Reese made personal history by recording her first career triple-double against the Connecticut Sun, becoming only the second player in the entire WNBA to achieve this feat in the 2025 season. Reese’s remarkable performance highlighted her significant improvement in individual skills and underscored her pivotal role in the Sky’s tactical setup, particularly her ability to contribute comprehensively in scoring, defense, and playmaking.
Rookie guard Hailey Van Lith delivered her best performance of the season, scoring a new personal high of 16 points and setting a career-best with five rebounds. She played 24 minutes, the second-most she’s logged this season, reflecting the growing confidence that the coaching staff has in the young player’s ability to contribute to the team’s success.
Before this game, Van Lith averaged just 3.7 points and 1.0 rebound per game in the 2025 WNBA season, with previous career highs of 7 points and 4 rebounds in separate games. Her breakout performance against the Sun not only showcased her immense potential but also demonstrated her rapid adaptation and growth in the highly competitive professional environment of the WNBA.
Following the win, Van Lith shared insights into a key tactical adjustment made by the Chicago Sky coaching staff before the game: shifting her from shooting guard to point guard to optimize her playing style. “I’m not really a natural shooting guard anymore; I’m more natural at point guard at this point,” Van Lith explained, noting that the coaching staff aimed to create more opportunities for her in triple-threat situations rather than relying solely on direct dribbling plays.
This tactical decision by the Sky’s coaching staff appears to have paid off, not only allowing Van Lith to maximize her individual contributions but also creating better balance in the team’s overall play. Through her first eight WNBA games, Van Lith is averaging 5.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game—modest numbers that reflect clear improvement and significant potential for future growth.
The absence of 15-year veteran Courtney Vandersloot, sidelined for the entire season due to a knee injury, has opened a significant opportunity for Van Lith, the No. 11 draft pick, to expand her role and responsibilities within the team. Vandersloot’s absence as a seasoned point guard leaves a gap that Van Lith could fill if she maintains her strong form and consistent progress, as demonstrated in the game against the Connecticut Sun.
The Chicago Sky will continue their journey as they host the Washington Mystics, who hold a 4-7 record, on Tuesday night at Wintrust Arena in their final Commissioner’s Cup game, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. This matchup presents a crucial opportunity for the Sky to build on their confidence from the Sun victory and gain momentum for the remainder of the season, particularly as young players like Van Lith continue to find their rhythm and fit within the team’s tactical framework.