Annie Costabile
Chicago Sky + Red Stars reporter
Annie Costabile covers the Chicago Sky and Red Stars for the Chicago Sun-Times.
"[The biggest difference] was a desire to win,” Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon said. “We were hungry to get it done, and we bettered ourselves in the second half.”
Aces coach Becky Hammon clarified that the LVCVA contacted players and their agents directly. She said the team did not orchestrate the deal.
DeShields had 14 points, shooting 7-for-12 from the field, three steals and two rebounds in the Sky’s opener. It was her first game back in good health in two years.
From games, a gala and graduation, the Sky rookie is making the most of her unique, multidimensional experience.
The Wings’ frontcourt, led by Teaira McCown, who had 18 points and 13 rebounds, was a difficult matchup for the undersized Sky without center Kamilla Cardoso.
“Flights that are across the country, crossing multiple time zones, or flights that usually require a connection, those were the priorities,” Sky center Elizabeth Williams told the Sun-Times.
No. 7 overall pick Angel Reese is a projected starter Wednesday night.
Las Vegas has a good shot at a three-peat. The unproven Sky face a tougher road to the playoffs this year.
With the spotlight on women’s sports, the much-lauded rookie class is already making waves in the WNBA without having played a single game.