Sky Guard Marina Mabrey’s ‘Fire’ Message to Team Before Wings Game

DEERFIELD, IL – The Chicago Sky have a chance to end their four-game losing streak against the Dallas Wings on Thursday. Chicago enters the game at 4-9, while the Wings come into the Windy City at 3-10. Starting guard Marina Mabrey spoke to reporters after Sky practice on Wednesday and echoed a message that will light a “fire” within her team.

Mabrey and Teresa Weatherspoon expressed Chicago’s need to improve their offensive execution following their 91-83 loss to the Indiana Fever on June 16. So it was natural to ask Mabrey what she thought of the team’s execution during the first two days of practice the following week. She said Sky did a solid job, but wanted the team to go into their game against the Wings with extra fuel.

“I feel like we did a really good job. We wrote plays and translated them from the board to the field. So I’m much more hopeful that we’ll get there with a little more focus and attention. And just a little more fire under us. We want to win, and you can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting the same result. So I hope we change our mindset and put a little more effort into it,” Mabrey said Wednesday.

Chicago is working to clean things up on the offensive end, and Mabrey is confident in the team’s preparation. She hopes Chicago’s practice rounds will allow them to focus and come into the match in great shape and ready to achieve victory.

Marina Mabrey will be Sky’s key against Wings and beyond

In 13 games, Mabrey is averaging 14.8 points and a career-high 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals. Additionally, she is shooting 36.1 percent from three-point range on 6.4 attempts per game. The sixth-year guard is a vital part of Chicago’s offense, and opposing defenses have taken notice.

Mabrey is flattered by the increased attention teams are giving her and wants to use it to her advantage.

“It’s a question of respect. They’re over there. They push me,” Mabrey said. “(I’m) trying to make the most out of it for the team.”

Mabrey said she tries to find ways to excel in multiple areas based on what defenses offer her. For example, she noted that some nights the team might need her to get “10 rebounds” or “30” (points). She understands that she will have to make every effort to help her team overcome this obstacle.

One Dallas star that Mabrey and Chicago need to be aware of is Arike Ogunbowale. Ogunbowale averages 24.9 points per game. However, it is possible that the Star Guard will not play in Thursday’s game. She is listed as questionable with Achilles disease. Additionally, the Wings are short Maddy Siegrist, Satou Sabally and Jaelyn Brown.

The Sky must take advantage of the undermanned Dallas team. Chicago will be without Elizabeth Williams, who injured her meniscus on June 6 against the Washington Mystics. Meanwhile, Diamond DeShields is listed as “probable” as she deals with an ankle ailment.

With the right “fire” and focus, Marina Mabrey and the Sky can come out and end their cold streak.