Sky must balance maintaining defensive intensity with avoiding foul problems

There haven’t been too many things that Sky have emphasized by changing after winning their first two games. Staying out of foul trouble was the priority before their home opener on Friday against the Mystics.

In the first two Sky games, Kahleah Copper and Rebekah Gardner they were the players most affected by foul problems. Against Lince, both had three personal fouls. Against Mercury, Copper had four and Gardner five. The Sky, meanwhile, awarded 21 free kicks to the Lynx and 24 to the Mercury.

But as much as Gardner emphasized avoiding foul trouble, Sky must walk a fine line because their defensive intensity will be a catalyst for their success this season. The Sky had 19 steals and forced 41 turnovers in their first two games.

Coach/General Manager james wades He said he wants his players to continue to be aggressive and has no plans to try to slow them down.

“I’m not going to stop doing what we’re doing,” Wade said. ”I would love to see [Rebekah Gardner] play more than 14 minutes, but when you have three fouls in two minutes, that’s not possible. I want Rebekah to be as aggressive as she has been. His defense has been very good. She’s one of the best defenders in the league and I’m not going to tell you that she doesn’t defend.”

putting on a show

The Sky’s house opening was made to be a party, and the director was a Los Angeles-based house producer and DJ. HoneyLuv.

The Sky reached out to her on social media to help them set the tone they are trying to set at Wintrust Arena. She is one who wants to match the high energy personalities of the players.

It was a dream come true for HoneyLuv, who grew up with plans to play in the WNBA.

“Basketball has been my life since I was 6 years old,” said HoneyLuv. ”I stopped playing at 19. During high school, I tore my ACL twice. When I got to college, it was hard for me to keep up with everything because I was in pain 24/7. I thought, ‘Maybe it’s time for me to move on. ”

Music had always been an outlet for HoneyLuv. So when he finished his basketball career, he jumped into a music career. After years of developing his trade while in the military, working turntables in the barracks he called home, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a professional DJ career. Two years later, HoneyLuv is playing venues across the country.

Coming to Chicago was not only special because of her love for the WNBA; it is also the birthplace of house music.

“I always want to be around crowds that know history and appreciate music in general,” HoneyLuv said. “There aren’t many places in America that are like this. Being able to come home and immerse myself in the culture is really exciting.”

injury update

Guard Marina Mabrey he was available against the Mystics after missing Sunday’s game against the Mercury with an ankle injury. Wade said he didn’t think he needed to have a minute restriction, but they planned to err on the side of caution.

Wade also gave another update on the injured striker. isabel harrison. After saying earlier this week that Harrison had surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee and that he would rehab in Dallas, he said he may not be available this season.

“We don’t have her for this particular year,” Wade said of Harrison, who signed a two-year protected veteran contract in free agency.