Sun-Sky preview
The Chicago Sky will have a chance to carry a four-game winning streak into the WNBA's Olympic break when it plays host to the Connecticut Sun on Friday night at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
Chicago (11-12) has won three in a row and four of its last five. The Sky is fourth in the Eastern Conference, just a half game behind the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever, which are tied for second behind the New York Liberty.
Connecticut (7-16) has won four of its last seven games. The Sun is last in the Eastern Conference, four games behind Chicago and 9 1/2 games behind New York.
Chicago is coming off a dramatic 79-77 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. Elena Delle Donne had 18 points and nine rebounds, Jamierra Faulkner scored 14 points and Jessica Breland made a putback with 0.2 seconds remaining to help the Sky prevail.
Connecticut is coming off an 89-78 road win over the Dallas Wings. Chiney Ogwumike turned in a monster performance, finishing with 26 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocked shots. Jasmine Thomas added 20 points for the Sun, which shot 49.3 percent from the field while holding the Wings to 38.4-percent shooting.
Delle Donne is leading the WNBA in scoring at 21.3 points per game. She is 10th in rebounding, averaging 7.4 rebounds per game.
Alex Bentley leads Connecticut in scoring at 13.5 points per contest. Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas are tied for the team lead in rebounding, averaging six rebounds per game.
This is the second time Chicago and Connecticut have met this season. The Sky beat the Sun 93-70 in the season opener May 14 at Allstate Arena.
Courtney Vandersloot had 14 points and seven assists for Chicago. Cappie Pondexter scored 13 points. Bentley scored 14 points to lead Connecticut. Delle Donne missed that game due to illness.
Chicago and Connecticut will take time off after this game for the WNBA's month-long break for the Summer Olympics. Both teams will return to action Aug. 26.