The Sky Needed a Response. Seattle Gave Them a Chance to Show One.

SEATTLE — The Chicago Sky had spent the previous week watching their season slide in the wrong direction.

Recent losses, including defeats against Seattle and Golden State, had dropped Chicago to 12–22. The Sky weren't simply losing. They were struggling to establish the consistency necessary to remain competitive.

Sunday's rematch against Seattle offered an opportunity to respond.

Chicago took it, earning an 82–80 victory on the road.

The result was notable because of what happened six days earlier. In their previous meeting, Seattle had scored 97 points against Chicago. This time, the Storm finished with 80.

That 17-point difference in Seattle's scoring output was meaningful for a Chicago team that had struggled defensively.

The Sky also showed they could win without reaching 90 points.

Chicago had scored 88 against Seattle in the previous meeting and lost by nine. On Sunday, 82 was enough to leave with a victory.

The win improved Chicago to 13–22 and ended its recent slide.

One victory doesn't erase a difficult season, but the result offered evidence that the Sky could still respond against a familiar opponent.

Chicago had a home meeting with New York on its August 18 schedule.

The challenge is no longer simply proving the Sky can win a game.

It's proving they can build on one.