Chicago Sky Wins Second WNBA Championship
A Look Back at the 2022 Season
The Chicago Sky have won their second WNBA championship in franchise history, defeating the Connecticut Sun 3-1 in the 2022 WNBA Finals. The Sky won the first two games of the series at home before dropping Game 3 in Connecticut. They closed out the series with a 80-74 victory in Game 4 at Wintrust Arena. Kahleah Copper was named the WNBA Finals MVP after averaging 17.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game in the series.
Key Contributors to the Sky's Success
Copper was one of several key contributors to the Sky's success in 2022. Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, and Emma Meesseman were all named to the All-WNBA team, and Azura Stevens and Rebekah Gardner also played important roles. Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP, averaged 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the regular season. Vandersloot, a three-time All-Star, led the league in assists for the sixth consecutive season, averaging 10.0 assists per game. Meesseman, the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP, averaged 12.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in the regular season. Stevens, a first-time All-Star, averaged 10.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, while Gardner, a second-year player, averaged 7.0 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Overcoming Adversity
The Sky's victory was especially impressive considering the adversity they faced during the season. They started the season 1-4, but they rallied to finish with a 26-10 record and the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. They also had to overcome injuries to key players, including Parker and Vandersloot. But they never gave up, and they ultimately proved to be the best team in the WNBA.
What's Next for the Sky?
The Sky will look to build on their success in 2023. They will have a strong core of players returning, and they will be looking to add some more pieces to their roster. They will also be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs and win their third WNBA championship.
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