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Chicago Sky

Chicago Sky’s season of chaos ends with a 1st-round playoff loss to Las Vegas Aces

Chicago
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Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson swats down a shot by Chicago Sky center Elizabeth Williams, right, during the first half of a WNBA basketball playoff series game on Sept. 17, 2023, in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson swats down a shot by Chicago Sky center Elizabeth Williams, right, during the first half of a WNBA basketball playoff series game on Sept. 17, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/AP)

The Chicago Sky crashed out of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at the hands of the reigning champions, losing 92-70 to the Las Vegas Aces on the road Sunday to complete a two-game sweep.

Kahleah Copper fueled a second-half surge to cut the Aces’ lead to single digits in the fourth quarter, finishing the game with 25 points and 10 rebounds. But the late-game effort wasn’t enough to overcome the overwhelming offense of the Aces.

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A’ja Wilson led the reigning champions with 38 points and 16 rebounds as the Aces dominated their second win to close the first round.

The loss completed a season defined by chaos for the Sky, who never found their rhythm following the departure of four free agents and the unexpected midseason exit of former coach and general manager James Wade.

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The Sky struggled to find a footing in either of their playoff matchups against the Aces, who are led by a powerhouse lineup featuring Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. Chicago native and former Sky star Candace Parker has not played for the Aces for weeks after undergoing foot surgery in July, but her presence on the sideline cut another reminder to the Sky of their sudden tumble from the top of the league across the last season.

Despite the on-court results, the Sky could still exit this season in a better position than they entered it. The appointment of Nadia Rawlinson as operating chairman provided a sharper vision for the Sky to expand their facilities and resources, while the addition of a new ownership group led by Laura Ricketts could provide the capital to achieve those goals.

The front office did enough to convince star Copper to stay in Chicago for two more years, an extension that will shape all future roster decisions. But with limited draft capital and a team full of new faces, the Sky are set to face another tumultuous offseason.

That offseason now begins for the Sky as they look to rebuild once again — this time around a new coach and general manager.

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