Sky clinch playoff spot for first time since 2016

When the Sky hired James Wade to be their next general manager and coach last November, he made his mission clear.

“They brought me here to get to the playoffs, and that’s what I plan on doing,” Wade told the Sun-Times then.

And that’s just what he did.

The Sky (16-11) are back in the postseason for the first time since 2016, clinching a playoff spot Thursday by virtue of the Wings losing to the Lynx and the Sparks beating the Fever.

The Sky are the fifth team to earn a postseason berth. They join the Mystics, Sun, Aces and Sparks.

“We are very excited for the next steps,” Wade said in a statement. “When we came together as a team it was clear what we were working for. This is validation to the hard work of our players, coaches, training staff and organization. It also acknowledges that we are moving in the right direction.”

In preparation for the rest of the season and beyond, the Sky on Thursday waived second-round pick Chloe Jackson and signed center Kayla Alexander to a seven-day contract.

Alexander, whom the Fever didn’t re-sign after last season, adds much-needed frontcourt depth as the Sky are without forward Jantel Lavender, who had surgery on her foot earlier this month.

Alexander worked with Wade during part of her five seasons with the San Antonio Stars.

“I know how hard of a worker and how good of a teammate she is and will be with us,” Wade said in a statement. “Kayla is the ultimate pro.”

Alexander will be eligible to play in the postseason if the Sky choose to re-sign her after her weeklong deal expires.

The Sky will host Donne and the Mystics Friday at Wintrust Arena. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.