Published on: Oct 13, 2021 3:30 pm IST|Updated on: Oct 13, 2021 12:43 pm IST
WNBA is a gift that keeps giving. Now, the league has moved to the title leg and the teams here clash for the championship. In this match, Phoenix Mercury will face off against Chicago Sky. More information about the PHO vs CHI Dream11 scenario will be imparted here.
Phoenix Mercury allowed the Sky team to shoot more than 52% from the floor in the last match. It is always a recipe for disaster especially when you are shooting less than 45% from the floor. The Phoenix guards are susceptible to under 40% shooting nights every now and then, which can hurt them in this series.
An area that Mercury has to tap on is the rebounding edge. Sky has shown these Playoffs that they can be massively outrebounded, getting beat on the defensive boards many times. However, Mercury didn’t extract that advantage despite two of the most rugged rebounders in Turner and Griner.
How can Mercury overpower Sky? Contain the early offense, don’t let Courtney slide in easy passes, who had 11 assists in the last game. Make sure that bench players like Stefanie Dolson don’t put in 14 points. Plus, slow the pace down a bit. Get Sky to play the half-court-styled offense as much as possible.
What can Sky improve from the last game? The team committed a bunch of turnovers and that didn’t show much because Mercury itself had a host of them. Allie Quigley shot 5/17 and if she is more consistent then the Mercury can be in further danger.
Mercury will need to work hard on the defensive end, especially against Kahleah Copper, who killed the defense in the last game. Who will come on top in this crucial game for the Mercury? Do remember Sky had more rest compared to Mercury in the first game that is why Phoenix got tired late in the game.
Host: Phoenix Mercury Visitors: Chicago Sky Match Timing: 14 October, @ 06:30 AM Venue: Footprint Arena
The match will be played at Mercury’s home court arena Footprint Arena.
Phoenix Mercury | Chicago Sky Games: 08| 07 Wins: 05| 06 Defeats: 03| 01
Brittney Griner and Breanne Turner both can consider for theDream11 Fantasy Basketball team.
Candace Parker’s all-around talent makes her a Super/Pro Player candidate.
*stats from last game* Candace Parker Points: 16 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 03 Blocks: 02 Steals: 02 Parker is averaging around 14 PPG this Playoffs, she has blocked two shots per game and has gotten 1.4 SPG. The player has made Sky a winning team and she is vital for the confidence of this squad. Is there another title in store for the legend?
Brittney Griner Points: 20 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 03 Griner has scored 20 or more points six out of seven times in the postseason. The highly talented Center is doing all in her power to acquire a title. Brittney has shown a great shooting game and has become a tremendous passer too. She has posted impressive averages of 20.9 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.6APG, and 1.8 BPG. Will Griner get more help from her teammates? Courtney Vandersloot Points: 12 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 11 Steals: 01 Vandersloot has allowed the likes of Copper and Parker to run out on the break and get easy buckets. She is handing assists at a record-breaking pace and her offense has also come through. The guard is averaging 13.7 PPG, 9.0 APG, 5.6 RPG, and 1.3 SPG in the Playoffs. Has the perimeter defense of Mercury got an answer for her? Diana Taurasi Points: 17 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 01 Blocks:02 The veteran sharpshooter is coming off a strong outing, which is no surprise. However, the Sky offense attacked her relentlessly, which tired her out eventually. The guard has averaged 19.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 3.6 APG. Can Diana put on a show and level the series?
Kahleah Copper Points: 21 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 03 Steals: 02 Kahleah led the team in rebounds in the last game. Copper decimated the Phoenix offense in the last game, using both her shooting and athleticism. The guard has led the Sky so far in scoring, posting averages of 18.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 1.3 SPG. Is there more offensive domination from her on the way?
Brianna Turner Points: 07 Rebounds: 09 Assists: 03 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Turner led her team in rebounds during the last game. Brianna has been key to Mercury’s success and if she can get more points inside the Mercury can establish the outside game even better. She has averaged 10.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG, and 1.0 SPG. Can she bail out Mercury in the series?
Azura Stevens Points: 10 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 01 Steals: 01 Azura is averaging 10.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 1.0 SPG in the postseason. She has elevated her game in the postseason.
Skylar Diggins-Smith Points: 15 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 04 Steals: 03 Diggins-Smith can be more assertive and is always a huge factor. Her averages so far are 14.6 PPG, 5.5 APG, 3.6 RPG, and 1.1 SPG in the postseason.
Allie Quigley Points: 18 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 02 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Allie keeps the defenders busy at the perimeter. She is averaging 14.0 PPG so far in the Playoffs.
Shey Peddy Points: 09 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 03 Steals: 03 Peddy has performed her role to the utmost in the Playoffs. She is averaging 7.8 PPG and 2.1 SPG in the Playoffs.
Bria Hartley Points: 05 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 02 Averaging 2.3 PPG so far.
Stefanie Dolson Points: 14 Rebounds: 00 Assists: 01 Blocks: 01 Coming off a strong scoring game. Averaging 4.9PPG and 2.7RPG.
PF: Brianna Turner SF: Shey Peddy C: Brittney Griner SG: Diana Taurasi PG: Skylar Diggins-Smith BENCH: Kia Nurse, Alanna Smith, Kia Vaughn, Megan Walker, Sophie Cunningham, Bria Hartley.
PF: Candace Parker SF: Kahleah Copper C: Azurá Stevens SG: Allie Quigley PG: Courtney Vandersloot
Bench: Ruthy Hebard, Astou Ndour-Fall, Diamond DeShields, Lexie Brown, Stefanie Dolson, Dana Evans.
• No injury to report so far.
Chicago Sky Squad: Courtney Vandersloot, Lexie Brown, Kahleah Copper, Diamond DeShields, Stefanie Dolson, Dana Evans, Ruthy Hebard, Astou Ndour-Fall, Candace Parker, Allie Quigley, Azurá Stevens.
Thi game can be enjoyed on WNBA League Pass. The post-match highlights are available on WNBA’s official YouTube channel.
None. No official streaming on Indian television.