Sky fall hard late in the fourth to Liberty
July 22, 2009 by Joseph Phillips Managing Editor of SC Media
With three players named to the 2009 WNBA Eastern Conference All-Star Team (Sylvia Fowles, Candice Dupree, and Jia Perkins), the Sky continued to struggle as they dropped a tough one 77-70 to the New York Liberty on their home court due to a late fourth quarter come back.
"Any time you have a new franchise, it's difficult to say that you are always going to make the playoffs,"said Coach Steven Key.
"That's what you want to say, but it's a lot tougher road. It's an uphill battle. But we know we can be a playoff team this season. We know we can do something in the playoffs. But if we don't stop playing like we did today, we're not going to have the opportunity. That would be very disappointing." Key said this after watching his team self destruct late in the fourth after leading 67-61 with 5:53 left in regulation.
"We have to develope a killer instinct." Key said.
"If we want to be taken serious in this league."
Following a jumper by Sky rookie guard Kristie Tolliver, the Liberty errupted with an 11-0 run to take command, starting with guard Sidney Spencer’s first three-pointer at 5:17. Her second three-pointer with 3:37 left gave New York a 69-67 lead, its first since midway through the second quarter.
"We have to be more consistent when closing games out." said Syivia Fowles who led the Sky with 15 points and nine boards.
"I'm looking forward to our team playing better in the second half of the season."
Chicago closed the gap to 72-70 on a Jia Perkins jumper, but the Liberty closed the game with five unanswered points.
New York’s Cathrine Kraayeveld and Shameka Christon added 14 and 11 points, respectively. Reserve Ashley Battle added 10.
Center Sylvia Fowles paced the Sky with 15 points while guard Jia Perkins and reserve Erin Thonn each had 11.
The Sky will have a chance to finish the all-star break at .500 ( 9-9) if they can defeat the Mystics on the road tonight in Washington.
In addition to last night's game, the Chicago sky in conjunction with the WNBA, will be tipping off inspiring Women's week on July 28. The week includes: Chicago Sky Srvice project at Kelvyn Park on July 28, WNBA Inspiring Women's Luncheon on Wednesday July 29, Sky versus the Los Angeles Sparks Wednesday evening, Toyota Project Rebound at Hirsch Metro High School on July 30, and a Pitney Bowes reading Timeout at the National Urban League Conference.
"Any time you have a new franchise, it's difficult to say that you are always going to make the playoffs,"said Coach Steven Key.
"That's what you want to say, but it's a lot tougher road. It's an uphill battle. But we know we can be a playoff team this season. We know we can do something in the playoffs. But if we don't stop playing like we did today, we're not going to have the opportunity. That would be very disappointing." Key said this after watching his team self destruct late in the fourth after leading 67-61 with 5:53 left in regulation.
"We have to develope a killer instinct." Key said.
"If we want to be taken serious in this league."
Following a jumper by Sky rookie guard Kristie Tolliver, the Liberty errupted with an 11-0 run to take command, starting with guard Sidney Spencer’s first three-pointer at 5:17. Her second three-pointer with 3:37 left gave New York a 69-67 lead, its first since midway through the second quarter.
"We have to be more consistent when closing games out." said Syivia Fowles who led the Sky with 15 points and nine boards.
"I'm looking forward to our team playing better in the second half of the season."
Chicago closed the gap to 72-70 on a Jia Perkins jumper, but the Liberty closed the game with five unanswered points.
New York’s Cathrine Kraayeveld and Shameka Christon added 14 and 11 points, respectively. Reserve Ashley Battle added 10.
Center Sylvia Fowles paced the Sky with 15 points while guard Jia Perkins and reserve Erin Thonn each had 11.
The Sky will have a chance to finish the all-star break at .500 ( 9-9) if they can defeat the Mystics on the road tonight in Washington.
In addition to last night's game, the Chicago sky in conjunction with the WNBA, will be tipping off inspiring Women's week on July 28. The week includes: Chicago Sky Srvice project at Kelvyn Park on July 28, WNBA Inspiring Women's Luncheon on Wednesday July 29, Sky versus the Los Angeles Sparks Wednesday evening, Toyota Project Rebound at Hirsch Metro High School on July 30, and a Pitney Bowes reading Timeout at the National Urban League Conference.