Copper, DeShields lead Sky past Liberty for seventh consecutive win

NEW YORK — Kahleah Copper and Diamond DeShields each scored 18 points and the Sky beat the New York Liberty 91-68 on Thursday night for their franchise-record seventh consecutive victory.

The Sky won six games in a row in 2012 and 2013.

‘‘I just like the way we bounced back after losing [seven in a row before the current winning streak],’’ coach and general manager James Wade said. ‘‘We stayed together. Sometimes you can see teams go either direction, and the fact the we stayed together . . . that was really special from this group. You can see our chemistry out there on the floor.’’

Candace Parker added 12 points and 11 rebounds and Courtney Vandersloot had 13 points and nine assists for the Sky (9-7), who also routed New York on Tuesday night.

Parker (5,788 points) moved into 13th place on the WNBA’s career points list. Next up is Becky Hammon, with 5,841 points. Diana Taurasi (8,694) is No. 1 on the list.

The Sky led 21-15 early in the second quarter before blowing it open by scoring the next 12 points, including five by Allie Quigley.

That burst started a 34-11 run to end the half and put the game away. Chicago hit 15 of its 24 shots in the period having its way on offense. The Sky led 55-27 at the half.

‘‘This team has scorers at every sport on the court and every spot on the bench,’’ DeShields said. ‘‘It says a lot about the offensive capabilities of this group.’’

New York (7-8) couldn’t get anywhere close in the second half.

Michaela Onyenwere scored 16 points to lead New York. Betnijah Laney and Sami Whitcomb both added 14. New York continued to struggle from behind the three-point line, going just 4-for-25.

Nets star Kevin Durant was sitting courtside with team owner Joe Tsai as was Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and wife Ciara. Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf also was courtside.

On Sunday, the Sky visit the Connecticut Sun, a team they have already beaten twice.

‘‘We’re just going to lock in, watch the film and see how we can get the ‘W,’ ’’ Copper said.

NOTE: Sky forward Stefanie Dolson was announced as part of the U.S. roster for the inaugural 3x3 tournament at the Olympics next month. Dolson will be joined by Kelsey Plum, Allisha Gray and Katie Lou Samuelson. The quartet helped the Americans qualify for the Tokyo Games earlier this month.