The Chicago Sky delivered a hard-fought 95–90 victory over the Seattle Storm in a thrilling Women’s National Basketball Association clash on July 16, 2026. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the Sky overcame a stubborn Storm side to improve their mid-season record, while Seattle’s three-game winning streak came to an end in a tightly contested affair that showcased the WNBA’s elite talents.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets in a high-paced encounter. Chicago seized an early lead behind sharp perimeter shooting, but Seattle’s defense tightened in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to just four points at halftime (50–46). The third quarter saw the Storm briefly grab the lead behind a 10–2 run, but the Sky responded with a 14–6 surge of their own, re-establishing control. In the final period, Chicago’s composure at the free‑throw line proved decisive, sinking 12 of 14 attempts in the last five minutes to seal the five‑point win.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Fire: Chicago opened 12–2, but Seattle countered with nine unanswered points to make it 14–11.
• Halftime Adjustments: Storm coach Noelle Quinn’s defensive tweaks forced three Sky turnovers early in the third, allowing Seattle to take a 63–62 lead with 4:20 left in the period.
• Clutch Execution: With the score tied at 88 with 1:45 remaining, Sky guard Kahleah Copper nailed a step‑back three, and center Elizabeth Williams followed with a steal and a layup to push the lead to five.
• Free‑Throw Dagger: Chicago shot 89% from the line (17‑of‑19) compared to Seattle’s 75% (12‑of‑16).

Standout Players

Kahleah Copper (Chicago Sky): The veteran guard led all scorers with 28 points on 10‑of‑19 shooting, adding 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Her three‑pointer in the final two minutes was the game’s defining moment.

Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm): The Storm’s All‑Star finished with 26 points and 7 assists, repeatedly breaking down the Sky defense in isolation sets. She kept Seattle within striking distance throughout.

Elizabeth Williams (Chicago Sky): The center recorded a double‑double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, plus 3 blocks. Her rim protection in the fourth quarter forced Seattle into difficult mid‑range jumpers.

Season Impact

The victory moves the Chicago Sky to a 14‑10 record, keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt in the WNBA’s competitive Eastern Conference. For the Seattle Storm (16–8), the loss snaps a three‑game win streak but they remain second in the Western Conference. These two teams are likely to meet again in the postseason, and this contest served as a statement of Chicago’s ability to beat top‑tier opposition.

Chicago returns to action on July 20 against the Las Vegas Aces, while Seattle looks to bounce back at home against the Minnesota Lynx.