On Tuesday, the WNBA’s reigning champions and current favorites met in an early-season matchup that lived up to the hype — and set records in the process.
Down by 28 points in the second quarter, the Chicago Sky rallied to defeat the upstart Las Vegas Aces 104-95, overcoming the largest deficit in league history.
Becky Hammon’s Aces set their own record in a losing battle, scoring 41 first-quarter points — the most ever. But backed by two reasonably paid, veteran stars, the Sky’s resilience won the day — and possibly set the stage for the WNBA’s next thrilling rivalry.
- Courtney Vandersloot (25 PTS, 8 A) re-upped with Chicago on a one-year, $195,000 deal as a UFA last offseason.
- Candace Parker (fourth double-double this season) is in the final year of her two-year, $385,000 contract.
- Meanwhile, the Aces’ initial 23-0 run was not only the biggest this season, but the largest ever against a defending champion.
Surprisingly, Kahleah Copper — the Sky’s biggest earner (2 YRS, $405,000) and their 2021 Finals MVP — scored only nine points in the win.
Despite the historic comeback, the Sky (+425) will have to do more to convince oddsmakers of their chances to repeat.
They currently trail the much-hyped Aces (+125) and the Sun (+350) to win it all.
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