The Portland Fire team re-entered the league with high optimism and direction to create a championship team for the future. Fans also backed the franchise with a record-setting game attendance. But the Chicago Sky spoiled the party for the expansion team with a 98-83 win over the hosts.
This was the franchise’s first real test, which came under fire following the trade of Angel Reese. Coach also used all his assets in the game, which helped the side create history with the win.
Chicago Sky With Record-Setting Game Against Seattle Storm
The Windy City franchise struggled for the last two seasons and even traded its superstar player during the offseason. While the team invested heavily in the lineup, the season opener featured all five starters in double figures, with two stars recording double-doubles.
In the game, Kamila Cardoso had 22 points with 14 rebounds, while offseason addition Skylar Diggins scored 21 points with 11 rebounds. The guard-forward duo became only the third pair for the Sky franchise to record 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in a game.
Chicago Sky had three players finish with 19+ in their season-opener 👏
— espnW (@espnW) May 10, 2026
This is just the third time in Sky history that multiple players have gone for 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in the same game‼️ pic.twitter.com/TmJvJpgiZx
Rookie Gabriela Jaquez had an all-around game with 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the game, while Rickea Jackson also contributed with 19 points and seven rebounds to help the team win.
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While the news around the Reese trade took the spotlight, a win would hand the franchise something to cheer about. Skylar Diggins and Rachel Banham made a heartfelt plea to fans on behalf of the Chicago Sky during the offseason and are looking to back the front office with their performances.
Positives For The Chicago Sky Following The Win
After a poor 2025 season and a mega shake-up in the lineup, there were multiple questions around the Sky franchise. But the recent win showed many positive signs for the ‘rebuilding’ team. The first question was about the connection between players, with nearly 80% playing together for the first time in the WNBA. But the team delivered a smooth performance on the opening night.
The 15-point win margin and strong outing from the starters highlighted Marsh’s tactics working well for the windy city franchise. The team also handled the ball well, with fewer attempts from the three-point line.
first game for the books 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/ysiVotuyKd
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) May 10, 2026
Yet one of the highlights of the game was the absence of key players like Azura Stevens, DiJonai Carrington, and Courtney Vandersloot, and still the team managed to control the game, which was not the case in the last two seasons for the Sky team.