Chicago Sky defeated Seattle Storm 95-90 on Wednesday at Wintrust Arena, with Azura Stevens proving pivotal in a high-quality contest as Chicago built its advantage through the middle quarters and then held firm late. The Sky took the result behind Stevens’ 20-point, eight-rebound display in front of 9,025 supporters.
Although this fixture comes from the Women’s National Basketball Association rather than the soccer world, the pattern of the contest still had the feel of a side taking control through sustained possession-like rhythm and efficient finishing. Chicago started sharply, putting up 26 points in the opening period while limiting Seattle to 19, and that early platform mattered by the final whistle.
The Sky were at their best in the second quarter, where they added 30 more points and stretched the contest with crisp ball movement and strong shot selection. Natasha Cloud’s six assists helped set the tempo, and Chicago’s collective attacking flow was reflected in 27 assists as a team. By half-time, the home side had established a 56-44 lead, a margin created by cleaner execution and better spacing in the final third equivalent of the court.
Seattle responded well after the interval. The Storm trimmed the gap with a 25-point third quarter, driven by Flau’jae Johnson, who finished with a match-high 25 points, while Dominique Malonga gave them second-chance opportunities on the glass and ended with 12 rebounds. That rally prevented the fixture from drifting away and forced Chicago into a more disciplined closing stretch.
The final quarter was tight, with Seattle continuing to push and cutting into the deficit, but Chicago had just enough composure to see out the result. The Sky’s balance from long range made a major difference: they knocked down 11 three-pointers compared with only four for the Storm. In a five-point fixture, that contrast from beyond the arc was decisive, especially as both teams made 14 free throws.
Key performers
Stevens was the standout for Chicago, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds while posting the Sky’s best overall rating. Cloud’s six assists underlined her influence as the main organiser, and the home side’s 47.3 percent shooting showed how often they found quality looks.
For Seattle, Johnson was the leading scorer with 25 points and added six rebounds and three steals, continuing to provide the Storm with attacking thrust. Malonga’s 12 rebounds kept Seattle competitive around the basket, while Jade Melbourne contributed five assists in an encouraging playmaking role.
NerdSports Stat: Chicago finished +21 from three-point range alone, outscoring Seattle 33-12 from beyond the arc, which more than covered the final five-point margin.
This result improves Chicago to 8-16 overall and gives the Sky a useful home victory as they look to build momentum in the standings. Seattle, now 6-20, showed enough in the second half to suggest there are positives to carry forward, but the Storm’s road record slipped to 2-12. Chicago will hope this performance becomes a platform in its next fixture, while Seattle must quickly regroup and search for a stronger four-quarter display.
Frequently Asked Questions
No goal scorers were recorded in this Women’s National Basketball Association fixture. Azura Stevens led Chicago with 20 points, while Flau’jae Johnson had 25 for Seattle.
Chicago Sky 95 – 90 Seattle Storm.
Chicago moved to 8-16 and strengthened its home record, while Seattle fell to 6-20 and remains under pressure near the bottom of the standings.
Azura Stevens was the standout performer with 20 points and 8 rebounds for Chicago Sky.
