6 takeaways from opening win over Portland Fire
Chicago Tribune • • sports
Key Points:
- The Chicago Sky won their season opener against the Portland Fire 98-83 in Portland's inaugural WNBA game, overcoming a strong third-quarter comeback fueled by the home crowd of nearly 20,000 fans.
- Sky guard Skylar Diggins and center Kamilla Cardoso formed a key offensive duo, combining for 43 points and showcasing an effective pick-and-roll strategy that was central to the team's offense.
- Chicago dominated the paint, scoring 48 points inside and converting 26 of 34 free throws, while limiting Portland to only three offensive rebounds, which helped secure the win.
- Rookie Gabriela Jaquez made her WNBA debut with 10 points and 7 rebounds in 32 minutes, providing defensive stability and contributing to the team's overall performance.
- The Sky struggled with three-point shooting, taking only 17 attempts and starting cold from deep, while missing several key players including Natasha Cloud, DiJonai Carrington, Azurá Stevens, and Courtney Vandersloot due to injuries or illness.
