Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Chicago Sky Reach Dubious Milestone on Friday vs. Dream

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Deveney | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 9:32 PM ET

Things have not quite gone the way the Chicago Sky had hoped here in the 2025 WNBA season, as the team entered Friday's matchup in Atlanta at 2-6, facing the reaminder of their schedule without point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who is out with a torn ACL.

But playing against a very good Atlanta squad that has come together quickly after some major offseason upheaval--including bringing in star Brittney Griner--the Sky accomplished something in the second quarter that qualifies as a milestone for the team: For the first time in three games, Chicago held a lead.

The play came with 6:32 to go in the second period and the Sky down, 23-22. Rachel Banham took a pass from Ariel Atkins and stepped into a 3-point try near the left break. It was true, and Chicago held the lead, 25-23.

It was a big moment considering the way the Sky's previous two games had started. On Saturday against the Fever, the Sky were tied at 2-2 with 8:59 to play but were down by 10 less than five minutes later on their way to a 79-52 blowout.

It was worse against the Liberty in the Sky's next game, an 85-66 romp. Chicago trailed, 12-0, with 5:49 to go in the first period before the team even managed a point.

The Chicago Sky have their first lead in 94 minutes of game play.
— Karli Bell (@KarliBell33) June 14, 2025

The Sky's last lead came when they beat Dallas, 94-83, on May 31.

The good news for Chicago was that, heading into halftime in Atlanta, despite a late push from the Dream, the Sky still held the lead, 39-38, behind eight points each from frontcourt sophomores Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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