Chicago Sky restructure around defensive identity after worst two-year stretch
The revamped roster has delivered a 3-1 start, their best since 2023, though offensive consistency and injury concerns remain.
The Chicago Sky have recorded their strongest start since the 2023 season, securing a 3-1 record following a victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. This performance marks a significant turnaround from the team's 13-61 record over the previous two seasons, which saw them finish tied for last place in 2025. General Manager Jeff Pagliocca and head coach Tyler Marsh have overseen one of the most active offseasons in WNBA history, restructuring the roster to prioritise defensive toughness.
The Sky currently lead the league in defensive rating (97.2) and opponent field goal percentage (38.1%), placing them tied for second in the standings with the New York Liberty. While the defensive unit has shown immediate cohesion, the offensive side of the game remains under development. The team is currently playing without DiJonai Carrington and Azura Stevens, yet has still managed to rank third in opponent points in the paint per game (35) and fourth in defensive rebounding rate (71.7%).
Pagliocca and Marsh implemented a new vision for the franchise based on "toughness and grit," recruiting players they believed would "fight at all times." Key contributors to the defensive success include Skylar Diggins, Natasha Cloud, Jacy Sheldon, Kamilla Cardoso, and Elizabeth Williams. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve noted the Sky's strong defensive identity and cohesion following Sunday's match.
Despite the improved standing, uncertainties persist regarding the team's long-term sustainability and current roster health. Rickea Jackson exited Sunday's game early with a non-contact knee injury, with imaging results pending. The extent of the injury and the impact of missing key players on the team's performance are not yet clear.
The 2023 season was the last time the Sky made the playoffs, and the New York Liberty currently hold the No. 1 spot in the power rankings. The Sky's early success suggests a structural shift in their approach, though the offensive work in progress indicates that further adjustments may be required as the season progresses.
