The Aces ruled the first few weeks of the season, but now with Kahleah Copper back from Europe, and Emma Meesseman and Rebekah Gardner adjusted to Chicago’s style of play, the Sky are on top. 

In a 91-83 win over the Sun on Wednesday, Chicago proved why it needs to be feared as a team not only as good as last season’s … but better. They freaking made 83% of their first-half shots and led by 22 points. EIGHTY-THREE PERCENT. 

It was a drubbing, and Candace Parker’s 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists showed she can be an MVP-level player whenever she wants. 

After Wednesday night’s Storm win over the Aces, Chicago holds first place in the W due to tie-breaker rules with identical 14-5 records. Is that where it’ll stay?

The Sky DOMINATED the month of June

Since June 1, the Sky are 9-2, and that includes two wins over the Sun, one over the Mystics and one over the Aces. They hold the top net rating in the league for the month with the most dynamic offense. Phoenix’s next-best scoring group trailed by more than two points per 100 possessions. 

The Sky look even scarier this year because their entire lineup is capable of scoring. In the win over Connecticut, 2019 Finals MVP Emma Meesseman only had to score four points. If you take the liberty of rounding up by a fraction of a point, Chicago has six players averaging double-digit scoring and that doesn’t include super rookie Gardner scoring 9.3 per game.

James Wade’s team is incredibly well-rounded and more than capable of finding the hot hand. Six players are also averaging more than two assists per night.

What can stop Chicago?

Oof, it’s really tough to see how teams will slow this group down. Every position is a threat to score, and the bench poses few if any weak spots. Julie Allemand and Azurá Stevens could start on other teams.

Defensively is where Chicago is less than elite, though still solid enough. It’ll be interesting to see how teams that can catch the Sky on an off shooting night can capitalize on the other end. 

The Storm, in particular, with the addition of Tina Charles and a starting five that are wreaking havoc, could be a tough series. But as of today, damn, the Sky are feeling it.