On June 29, the Chicago Sky defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 92-85 inside Crypto.com Arena.
In the win, Angel Reese entered the Sky’s top 10 franchise leaderboard for rebounds, with 647 after the game, passing Stefanie Dolson (642). She recorded a season-high 24 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and a steal while making 52.6% of her shots (10 of 19). Reese became just the fourth player in league history to record that statline, joining Lisa Leslie, Tina Thompson and former Sparks and Sky player Candace Parker.
Ariel Atkins had a strong game for the Sky, recording 20 points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal.
The Sky will next go on the road to take on the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, July 6, at 6 p.m. CT. Chicago played Minnesota for a pair of preseason games this year; however, the teams haven’t faced each other in the regular season. The game will be locally broadcast on The U.
The Sparks honored former Parker, retiring her jersey during a halftime ceremony, USA Today noted. Parker spent 13 seasons with the Sparks before joining the Sky as a free agent for the 2021 season, and helped each team win a title. She spent two seasons playing with the Sky.
The Sky will honor Parker by retiring her jersey on Aug. 25 at the team’s game against the Las Vegas Aces. Parker’s No. 3 jersey will be raised to the rafters of Wintrust Arena, alongside the team’s 2021 championship banner. Fans will be able to celebrate alongside the team with limited edition merchandise available in-arena and online. In addition, fans will receive a special, to-be-announced Candace Parker-themed giveaway. In addition, the Sky will help promote the release of Parker’s book, The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions; there will be special book-themed activations leading up to and during the game.