WNBA

Jul 9, 2025

Chicago Sky Find a Spark as Rebecca Allen Shines and Angel Reese Extends Double-Double Streak

On a night when the Chicago Sky paid tribute to a franchise legend, they found a renewed sense of identity on the court — sparked by a breakout performance from Rebecca Allen and the relentless work of rookie standout Angel Reese.

Allen poured in a season-high 27 points, knocking down five three-pointers and adding three blocks to help Chicago secure an 87-76 win over the depleted Dallas Wings on Wednesday. It marked the Sky’s third straight victory over the Wings this season, completing a rare season sweep that hints at progress despite an otherwise challenging campaign.

Christopher Backus/Undrafted

While Allen’s perimeter shooting provided the offensive lift, it was Reese’s trademark hustle that once again anchored the Sky. The rookie forward delivered her 13th double-double of the year, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Her late-game sequence — a clutch layup, defensive board, and a decisive three-point play — sealed the outcome just as Dallas threatened to close the gap in the final minutes.

Rachel Banham also chipped in with 11 points for Chicago, which improved to 6-13 — still far from playoff contention but beginning to show signs of cohesion under interim head coach Tyler Marsh. The Sky’s ability to close out tight quarters and maintain composure late is a significant improvement for a team that has struggled to string together consistent stretches all season.

Christopher Backus/Undrafted

For Dallas, the night was another chapter in a frustrating run marred by injuries. The Wings were without four key contributors — including All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington — and relied heavily on emerging talents to fill the void. Rookie All-Star Paige Bueckers battled through an inefficient shooting night (5-of-20) but still finished with 17 points, while 6-foot-7 Li Yueru impressed with a versatile performance of 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four made threes. First-year guard JJ Quinerly added 16 points and kept Dallas competitive deep into the fourth.

Despite their depleted roster, the Wings (6-15) showed flashes of resilience. Li’s surprising perimeter range — she’s now 8-of-15 from beyond the arc this season — continues to open new looks for Dallas offensively. Yet without Ogunbowale’s dynamic scoring or Carrington’s perimeter defense, they remain outmatched against deeper lineups.

The night also carried special significance off the court for the Sky faithful. At halftime, Chicago retired Allie Quigley’s No. 14 jersey — the first in franchise history. Quigley, who grew up in nearby Joliet and starred at DePaul, spent a decade with the Sky, helping them capture their first WNBA championship in 2021. Her tenure as a three-time All-Star and beloved veteran has set a standard for the next generation to emulate — a fitting moment of reflection for a team in transition.

Christopher Backus/Undrafted

Looking ahead, the Sky will aim to build on this momentum when they host the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday — a chance to test their growth against one of the league’s tougher squads. Meanwhile, the Wings will hope to get healthier as they close out a tough three-game road swing Sunday against Indiana.

The Bigger Picture: Signs of a Turning Point?


While Chicago’s playoff hopes remain slim, performances like Allen’s emergence and Reese’s unshakeable consistency provide real reasons for optimism. Reese, in particular, has been a revelation — not just piling up rebounds but sparking energy plays that lift the entire roster. For a franchise still searching for its next cornerstone after the departure of Courtney Vandersloot and other veterans, Reese’s trajectory suggests she could be that player.

If the Sky can continue to develop young talent and maintain defensive discipline — something they showed in spurts during this win — they could yet salvage a sense of direction in an otherwise rebuilding season. And in a league that rewards resilience and player development, that could make all the difference come next year.

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