Chicago Sky Star Issues Blunt Response After 11th Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 4:46 PM ET

The Chicago Sky came up just short of a big road win Friday night, falling 83-78 to the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Despite a strong effort, Chicago couldn't slow down the Valkyries in the final minutes.

The loss marked the Sky’s 11th defeat in 15 games this season, placing them just above the last-place Connecticut Sun in the Eastern Conference standings.

But as in all pro sports, there's no time to dwell. The Sky will quickly turn the page with a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks.

After the game, veteran guard Kia Nurse delivered a clear message about the team’s mindset. The Sky’s official Instagram account shared her quote alongside the caption, "Onto the next ➡️"

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Nurse spoke bluntly about the team’s need to refocus.

“The beauty of this league is that you have to have a short memory," Nurse said. "In 48 hours, we play a whole other game, a whole other team, so you lock in on the scout and at the end of the day, you're going out there to try to get another win.”

Nurse came off the bench and played 27 minutes, scoring 17 points, tied with Angel Reese for second most on the team. Ariel Atkins led the Sky with 20 points in 37 minutes.

The 29-year-old guard is in her first season with Chicago. She’s started 11 games, averaging 7.4 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. A former UConn standout, Nurse began her WNBA career with the New York Liberty, where she spent three seasons and earned an All-Star nod in her second year. She later had stints with Phoenix, Seattle and Los Angeles before landing in Chicago.

During her college career under Geno Auriemma, Nurse helped UConn win back-to-back NCAA titles in 2015 and 2016.

The Sky, who continue adjusting to a new roster and coaching staff, will look to get back on track in Los Angeles.

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

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