A physical Sky vs Sun matchup saw three players ejected, but Bria Hartley and the Connecticut Sun pulled off a gritty 71–62 win over Chicago. Full recap and analysis.
Sky vs Sun Quick Recap — The Highlights
- Result: The Connecticut Sun snapped a five-game losing streak with a 71–62 home win over the Chicago Sky.
- Key Performers: Leïla Lacan led with 17 points, 5 assists, 2 steals; Tina Charles added 15 points.
- Ejections: A physical rebound altercation in the 2nd quarter resulted in three ejections: Bria Hartley (Sun), Rebecca Allen (Sky), and Ariel Atkins (Sky). The Sun maintained composure and closed strong.
- Context: This matchup features two of the WNBA’s weakest teams this season, and the Sun needed a spark to halt their skid.
Background & Rivalry — Sky vs Sun
The Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun have climbed and fallen together in recent years. The Sky have missed back-to-back postseason berths, while the Sun were the first team in WNBA history to lose their entire 2024 starting lineup in one offseason. Both have had rocky starts, making each head-to-head meaningful for their rebuild timelines.
This edition of Sky vs Sun took place amid frustration on both benches. As early as the second quarter, the game turned physical — and the response would test each team’s depth and mindset.
The Hartley-Allen Fight — What Went Down
During a second-quarter rebound battle:
- Hartley shoved Rebecca Allen, pushing her to the floor. Allen responded by grabbing Hartley’s jersey — the situation quickly escalated.
- Ariel Atkins sprinted in and had to be restrained; she was ejected as the “escalator” per officiating. All three players were ejected after video review.
Despite losing Hartley, the Sun rallied — showing cohesion, discipline, and depth through the fourth quarter. The team rallied behind role players and preserved the victory with poise.
Spotlight: Bria Hartley
Bria Hartley, a veteran guard for the Sun, brought intensity and experience. Traded in offseason, she’s one of Connecticut’s highest-used players when healthy. Her ejection could have derailed the Sun, but the rest of the roster overcame it — a testament to the Sun’s commitment to their structure under new coach Rachid Meziane.
Hartley’s physicality is part of her identity — and while it led to ejection, it also forces her teammates to rise up and fill the void. Tonight, that’s exactly what they did.
Goodnight Sun fans 😴 pic.twitter.com/VL2CBd0Iae
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) August 14, 2025
Performance Breakdown
- Leïla Lacan (Sun): Stellar: 17 PTS, 5 AST, 2 STL in just her sixth start. She stepped up amid chaos and is quickly becoming a reliable contributor.
- Tina Charles (Sun): Seasoned clutch performer — 15 PTS, 4 REB, 2 BLK — she hit the big shot to break the Sky’s fourth-quarter run.
- Sun team effort: Only 6 turnovers, nearly matched season-high in assists, and cohesive team defense.
- Chicago Sky: Fighting from behind, the team surged 11–0 in the fourth but ultimately fell short with only eight players available late due to ejections and the absence of Angel Reese (injury). Kamilla Cardoso led with 24 PTS, Elizabeth Williams chipped in 12 PTS, 15 REB, and Rachel Banham added 10 PTS.
Streaming & Broadcast — How to Watch Sky vs Sun
Fans searched “Sky vs Sun” or “Chicago Sky vs Connecticut Sun live stream” — here’s how to watch:
- TV/Streaming: Games aired on WNBA League Pass and local networks. Sources like Newsweek and Fubo list streaming options and airtime.
- League Hub: WNBA.com provides full-game recaps, highlights, and future schedule listings.
- Next Game: Both teams still hover at the bottom of standings but look to regroup; watching shifts in rotation and discipline will be key moving forward.
Broader Implications — What This Means for Both Teams
Connecticut Sun:
- First win since the All-Star break; enters next matchup with momentum, confidence, and a return of culture under Meziane.
- Acquisition Aaliyah Edwards (UConn alum) provides fresh energy and potential for late-season growth.
Chicago Sky:
- Still struggling — 11th loss in 12 games. Coaching changes and injuries (e.g. Vandersloot’s ACL) have derailed the rebuild.
- Physical lapses and limited rotation leave them vulnerable — discipline must improve to avoid more blowouts.