Sky players send strong playoff message after painful loss to Dream

The Chicago Sky faced the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night after three straight losses. The Sky were on a mission to pick up a win to move closer to the playoffs, as they sit eighth in the WNBA standings. However, the Dream were relentless in front of their home crowd, handing Chicago an 86-70 defeat. Forward Brianna Turner, who started in place of the injured Kamilla Cardoso, captured the team’s lasting message for the playoffs despite another setback Tuesday.

“I think we’re extremely committed. We know we’re not out. So we know we have a chance to come out on top against Connecticut and make something happen,” Turner said at the post-game press conference.

As admirable as the Sky’s focus in the playoffs is, they may have to face the reality of entering the draft lottery if the Washington Mystics and/or Dream win their remaining games. Still, Turner and Rachel Banham aren’t concerned with what’s happening outside of the present moment.

“We’re worried about this season, honestly. I don’t think any of us are worried about the draft. We’re in the present… We’re trying to make the playoffs,” Turner added. “Because honestly, this team, these 12, we’ll probably never play the same team again, so we’re in the present and trying to get the job done right now this season.”

Banham added that the team’s competitive spirit and desire to win are the driving forces behind their relentless push in the playoffs.

Teresa Weatherspoon reiterates Sky’s message about playoffs

The Sky knew beating the Dream at home would be a challenge, given the number of injuries the team has dealt with. In addition to Kamilla Cardoso, Chicago was without Chennedy Carter, Angel Reese, Diamond DeShields and Elizabeth Williams. Still, the team fought hard, and Teresa Weatherspoon acknowledged the team’s efforts after the game, just as she did after Sunday’s loss to the Phoenix Mercury.

“We have a part of our team sitting on the bench…but those five guys that came out there played like crazy,” Weatherspoon said after the Dream’s loss Tuesday night.

As for Weatherspoon’s thoughts on the Sky clinging to their playoff hopes, his message remained the same.

“It’ll be great. It would be great. That’s what we came here for. We don’t look at it any other way. We always look at it the same way. We still have a chance. We’re still in the game,” Weatherspoon added. “We’re in a good mood. There’s a lot of things we can build on that we’ve been doing so well the last few games that we want to carry over to the next one.”