Taylor's Dramatic Buzzer-Beater Seals Sky's First Win Over Aces
Sydney Taylor delivered a game-winning 3-pointer with less than a second remaining, propelling the Chicago Sky to an 84-83 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak for the Sky and secured their first victory under newly appointed coach Tyler – a significant milestone considering his previous tenure with the defending champions.
A Tight Battle, a Nail-Biting Finish
The Aces, led by A'ja Wilson’s 36 points, fought valiantly, pushing the Sky to overtime. Wilson herself added a double-double with 12 rebounds, showcasing her continued dominance. However, Chicago’s resilience, fueled by 29 points from Taylor, ultimately prevailed.
Elizabeth Williams provided a crucial spark for the Aces, scoring 17 points, while Jackie Young contributed 18 and 11 rebounds. But Las Vegas’ reserves struggled, offering only five points in support.
Sky's Momentum Shift
Trailing by 10 with just 7 minutes and a half remaining, the Sky orchestrated a stunning comeback. DiJonai Carrington chipped in with 10 points, and Natasha Cloud added 11, driving a crucial lead. The catch-and-shoot play by Taylor, a curl around a screen at the top of the key, proved decisive – a testament to her late-game composure.
The Aces, initially building a 20-16 lead in the first quarter thanks to a 9-0 run orchestrated by Young, found themselves unable to sustain their momentum. Chicago’s defense tightened, allowing them to reclaim the lead on a basket by Elizabeth Williams with 2:25 to play. This marked their first advantage since the early stages of the game.
Key Stats
Chicago finished with 84 points, highlighting a significant offensive effort. Las Vegas, despite Wilson’s performance, struggled to find consistent scoring outside of their star player. The Sky’s overtime woes – a 0-6 record – were definitively overcome, and their one-score game struggles were also brought to an end.
Up next, the Aces head to Atlanta for a Monday matchup, while the Sky host Phoenix on Monday, continuing their five-game homestand.