Sydney Taylor continues incredible story with game-winner vs. Aces

The win was remarkable, the first by one score for the Sky (11-18) this season, and keeps their dim playoff hopes alive. Chicago is five back of the New York Liberty (16-13) for the last playoff spot with 15 games remaining and has a chance to go on a bit of a run over the next two weeks before hosting the Liberty on Aug. 8. Over the Sky's next six games, they play the Phoenix Mercury (11-18), Los Angeles Sparks (10-17) and the Seattle Storm (6-25) twice.

But even if the Sky ultimately fail to dig their way out of an early-season hole, Taylor's emergence has provided a much-needed spark. Chicago traded franchise-favorite forward Angel Reese during the offseason and signed veterans Skylar Diggins and Azura Stevens, moves that failed to ignite a rebound from last year's 10-34 record.

Taylor has been the highlight of the Sky's season, joining the roster after playing two years overseas out of college. Per The IX Sports, Taylor began her pro career in Lithuania before playing for MB Zaglebie Sosnowiec in Poland during 2025-26, earning MVP honors while averaging 22.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 38 assists per game.

She opened the 2026 season as part of Chicago's second unit but forced her way into the starting lineup after scoring 30 points off the bench against the Indiana Fever on June 11.

Unearthing Taylor and giving her an opportunity has been the best thing the Sky have done all season. For an organization desperate for some positivity, she couldn't have arrived at a better time.