Scoreboard
Sky 79, Sun 69 (Chicago wins series, 3-1)
Aces 93, Mercury 76 (Series tied 2-2)
What went down
The Chicago Sky became the first team to enter the 2021 WNBA Finals after upsetting the number one seed Connecticut Sun.
Courtney Vandersloot overcame foul trouble in the first half and top-scored for the Sky with 19 points, including five triples. Kahleah Copper continued her impressive playoff run with 18 points and six rebounds.
Candace Parker, who chose to go home to Chicago this past offseason, was also instrumental for the Sky with an all-around effort of 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
Season MVP Jonquel Jones led a valiant stand for the Sun, tallying 25 points and 11 boards.
The sixth-seeded Sky, who finished the regular season with a 16-16 record, defeated the Dallas Wings and Minnesota Lynx in a pair of elimination games before dominating their series against the Sun. Chicago makes its return to the championship round for the first time since 2014 when it lost to the Phoenix Mercury.
The other semifinals series will go to a fifth and deciding game as the Aces delivered a beating against the Mercury. A back-breaking 24-0 run in the third quarter opened things up for the Aces. Game 5 is set on Saturday (PHT) at 9:00 AM.
Big-time baller
Chelsea Gray didn't want the season to end for the Aces. Just when her team needed her to provide a scoring punch, she came away with 22 points, four rebounds, and six assists. She also hit four 3-pointers and finished with a 9-for-17 shooting clip.
Gray was hampered by two early fouls in the first quarter but still managed to be the game's top scorer.
OH OKAY 😯 @cgray209 so that's HOW we are doin' it 🧊
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 7, 2021
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/X7U3IMzoH1
What she said
Candace Parker had a mission coming to Chicago. Already a two-time MVP and a champion, she wanted to do something special back home.
After getting through the semifinals, she inches closer to bringing a championship to her hometown. Here's her emotional postgame interview where she also honors the late Pat Summitt.
"It really is emotional... Sometimes you have to stop and think and really appreciate this moment."
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 7, 2021
Hear from @Candace_Parker on what it means to her that the @chicagosky are heading to the #WNBAPlayoffs Finals 🧡#CountIt pic.twitter.com/dDfAKw6vBk
Did you see that?
The stars were out tonight as Chicago fans saw their Sky team reach the WNBA Finals. Bulls legend Scottie Pippen was in attendance as well as recording artist Chance the Rapper.
Lengend @ScottiePippen in the house! pic.twitter.com/T6yeLQQIT1
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) October 7, 2021
