Chicago Sky Fall to Atlanta Dream 78-87

The air surrounding the Wintrust Arena on Wednesday night had an especially exciting chill. Preseason Chicago Sky ticket holders and enthusiastic WNBA fans alike attended the preseason finale between the Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream. While the final buzzer confirmed an 87–78 victory for the Dream, the night was overwhelmingly defined by determination and fierce competitiveness on both sides. 

Sydney Taylor made the most of her preseason opportunity, finishing with 23 points in the Sky’s 87–78 loss to Atlanta. While the final score favored the Dream, Taylor’s second-half performance shifted the energy inside Wintrust Arena. After a relatively quiet first half, the rookie found her rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 12 points and giving Chicago a much-needed offensive spark. Her aggression intensified in the last stretch of the fourth-quarter, consistently getting downhill, attacking the rim, and earning 11 trips to the free-throw line. See Taylor’s game highlights.

Syndey Taylor, Capture by Max Sikes Image of Sport

While the Atlanta Dream maintained control for most of the night behind Rhyne Howard, Taylor and fellow rookie Tonie Morgan led a late-game surge that cut into what was once a 20-point deficit. Taylor’s massive scoring night was a direct reflection of her readiness for the league. Sitting at the post-game press conference podium at Wintrust Arena following the Chicago Sky’s preseason finale, the undrafted rookie remained focused on the singular mission that drove her performance. 

I’ve been doubted my whole life—you know, ‘mid-major, she can’t do it,’ didn’t get drafted, ‘she still can’t do it.’ So, you know, there’s so many doubters, so many haters, I’m just trying to prove them wrong.”

The Dream Team

Angel, Howard and Gray, Captured by Max Sikes Image of Sport

Beyond the final score, Atlanta’s developing chemistry was evident throughout the game, particularly in the growing connection between Angel Reese, Howard, and Allisha Gray. Whether through on-court sequences or lighthearted moments shared on the bench, the trio already showed signs of comfort and cohesion within Atlanta’s evolving system.

Reese remained a focal point throughout the night, finishing with 7 rebounds before receiving a standing ovation following the Sky tribute, with fans from both teams rising to their feet in applause. The moment reflected her lasting connection to Chicago even as she ignites into a new chapter in Atlanta. ‘I can feel the sisterhood on and off the court… It felt like the right move,’ Reese shared.

Angel Reese Captured by Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

In the post game press conference Coach Tyler Marsh reflected on the reunion with his former star player after the game. “It was obviously the first time seeing her since the trade,” Marsh said.

“I just told her, ‘Go be great, go kill it.’ She’s with a championship-caliber team now. You saw some of her talents and the things she can do tonight—she fits in perfectly.”

With the Sky set to open the regular season against the Portland Fire on May 9, Sydney Taylor’s breakout performance may have been one of Chicago’s biggest takeaways from the preseason finale. Her 23 points highlighted not only her scoring ability, but the offensive energy she could add to the Sky’s arsenal.

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