Chicago Sky Swoop Past Phoenix Mercury in Tuesday Night WNBA Game

Where and When Did This Happen?

• The game was played in Phoenix on Tuesday night.
• It was a match in the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association – a professional basketball league where amazing women athletes play).
• Final score: Chicago Sky 77, Phoenix Mercury 66.

How the Game Played Out (Step‑by‑Step)

Basketball games are split into four parts called quarters. Here’s what happened in simple steps:

1. Before the third quarter, the teams were battling, but we pick up the story in the second half.
2. In the third quarter, Sydney Taylor scored the first 10 points for Chicago all by herself. This gave the Sky a 7‑point lead.
3. By the end of that third quarter, Chicago was winning 56‑44.
4. In the fourth quarter, Chicago stayed ahead by double figures (that means 10 points or more).
5. With only 1 minute and 2 seconds left, Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper made a long shot worth 3 points (a “3‑pointer”) to make the score 74‑66 – bringing her team closer.
6. Right after, Chicago’s Jacy Sheldon answered with her own 3‑pointer (the only points she scored all game) to lock in the win.

Key Players and Their Numbers

Here are the important stats, explained simply:

• Sydney Taylor (Chicago): 16 total points (a “point” is a score), with 10 of those coming in the third quarter.
• Natasha Cloud (Chicago): 11 points and 6 assists (an assist is a pass that leads directly to a teammate’s basket).
• Azura Stevens (Chicago): 9 points and 10 rebounds (a rebound is grabbing the ball after someone misses a shot). She helped the team’s record become 7 wins, 14 losses.
• Skylar Diggins (Chicago): Did not play because of a right‑knee issue.
• Kahleah Copper (Phoenix): Led her team with 25 points and made four 3‑pointers (long shots). Phoenix’s record is now 8 wins, 14 losses.
• DeWanna Bonner (Phoenix): Added 12 points.
• Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix): 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals (a steal is taking the ball away from the other team).
• Phoenix’s recent form: Before this game, they had won 4 of their last 5 games.

Important Milestone Callout

Important: DeWanna Bonner made history! She became the first player ever in WNBA history to reach all three of these career totals:

• 8,000 points (baskets scored)
• 3,000 rebounds (missed shots grabbed)
• 500 steals (balls taken from opponents)

That’s a super rare and awesome achievement!

What’s Next for the Teams?

• Chicago Sky: They travel to play against Los Angeles on Friday.
• Phoenix Mercury: They stay home to host Indiana on Thursday.

Summary

In a friendly‑to‑understand nutshell: The Chicago Sky visited the Phoenix Mercury and won 77‑66. Sydney Taylor’s hot shooting in the third quarter and Natasha Cloud’s helping hand (assists) built a big lead. Phoenix tried to come back late with Kahleah Copper’s long shots, but Jacy Sheldon’s clutch 3‑pointer sealed the deal. Chicago got strong board work from Azura Stevens, while Phoenix’s Copper and Bonner scored well – with Bonner hitting a never‑before‑done career milestone. Both teams have new games coming up very soon.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is a 3‑pointer in basketball?
A 3‑pointer is a basket made from a farther distance behind a special line. It gives the scoring team 3 points instead of the usual 2 points for a close shot.

2. What does “led by double figures” mean?
“Double figures” means the number is 10 or more. So leading by double figures means one team was ahead by 10 points or greater.

3. Who was the first WNBA player with 8,000 points, 3,000 rebounds, and 500 steals?
That was DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury, who reached this historic combo during this very game.

4. Why didn’t Skylar Diggins play in this game?
She sat out because she had an issue with her right knee and was unable to take part.

5. Where can I find more WNBA news like this?
You can read more on the Associated Press WNBA page: AP WNBA Basketball