CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh reminisces about participating in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game at the United Center while serving as an assistant for the Toronto Raptors.
He shared that his initial experience at the WNBA All-Star Game was also in Chicago, taking place two years later at the Wintra Store Arena.
“It was an amazing moment,” Marsh stated.
However, another significant event occurred on a Saturday night as the Sky were overwhelmed by Indiana 79-52, marking his first WNBA game at the United Center.
“This is a monumental moment for the league,” Marsh expressed. It’s his inaugural season coaching the Sky. “It’s a remarkable occasion for our team, our staff, and our city. We have the chance to represent Chicago in this iconic venue on a historic night, and we certainly appreciate that.”
The matchup transitioned from the smaller Wintra Store Arena and showcased two of the league’s brightest young stars: Angel Reese in Chicago and Indiana’s Kate Clark, whose presence was missed.
The Fever dominated the Sky for the second time this season, doing so without an injured Clark.
The 2024 Rookie of the Year missed her fourth consecutive game due to quad issues and watched from a sidelines position, which was disappointing for fans sporting Clark jerseys.
The enthusiastic crowd of 19,496 surpassed Chicago’s previous record of 16,444 at Allstate Arena outside Rosemont in 2016, though tickets were readily available for as low as $9 hours before tip-off.
In contrast, when Clark and Reese faced off in Chicago last season, courtside seats at the Wintra Store Arena commanded prices of $5,000 on Ticketmaster just an hour before the game. The event was graced by celebrities, including Chicago native Chance the Rapper, comedian Jason Sudeikis, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, and Basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Swoops.
Yet, this night was significant. The players and coaches understood the importance of playing at the United Center. The Sky and Fever are set to clash again on July 27th at the home of the NBA’s Bulls and NHL’s Blackhawks.
“We keep reaching milestones for women,” Reese said. “Women belong here, and I feel this will be just the first of many. There are clearly two events this year, but we are on a continuous upward trajectory.”
Reese and Clark have elevated the league to new heights, taking on the competition from LSU and Iowa to the pros. They brought charisma and style that captivated the nation during their collegiate careers while sparking discussions about sports and society.
However, they were not the only stars of the night.
“This shows how much women’s basketball is advancing, and it’s fantastic to witness,” commented another rising star, Sky center Camilla Cardoso.
Coach Stephanie White recalls the days of watching the Bulls during the Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen dynasty while working alongside Fever assistant Austin Kelly, who was absent for personal reasons.
“I was born in ’89,” Kelly shared. “During my AAU basketball days, my teammates and I would crowd into a hotel room just to catch their games in June.”
Marsh noted that Aaron Johnson, a player development coach for the Sky, was particularly emotional as he circled the date of this game on his calendar.
“When it was announced we would play this game, it truly resonated with him. It wasn’t about showcasing him, but this is the venue where he grew up idolizing players, and now he has the chance to step onto that same floor. It’s moments like these that are profound, and we’re equally thrilled for our players to be part of it.”
___
AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
Source: apnews.com