Chapman not happy with Sky fundamentals
Sky head coach Pokey Chapman was happy with the shots her team created against the New York Liberty on Friday night.
The execution was a different story.
The Sky went 6-for-21 at the free-throw line and missed 10 layups in a 64-59 loss to the Liberty, losing their fifth game out of their last six.
“If you hold a team to 64 at home, that's enough to win, but we're not a very good basketball team right now, and that's what I told them,” Chapman said.
The Sky trailed at halftime and made two comeback attempts in the second half, going from an 8-point deficit to a 3-point lead in the second.
But New York took advantage of the Sky's missed opportunities to seal the win and improve to 6-9 on the season. After a hot start, the Sky fell to 8-6 with three games to go until the Olympic break.
“We have no sense of urgency, and I don't understand why,” Sky center Sylvia Fowles said. “I don't know what it's going to take for us to come out with momentum. We need to dig deep, and everyone needs to check themselves, including me.”
Chicago native Cappie Pondexter led the way for New York, with 19 points that included the game-sealing free throws. Fowles led the Sky with 20 points, and Tamera Young contributed 16.
The Sky won't have much time to dwell on the loss before their next game Saturday in Indiana. The Fever leads the all-time series 22-5, and already has defeated the Sky three times this season.
Chapman said she hoped the team would create the same opportunities Saturday as it did Friday night, especially at the free-throw line.
“They're going to be tough because they lost a game,” Chapman said of Indiana. “They've owned us, so it'll be a nice test of your character coming off a night where you got shots you wanted.”