The WNBA returns to centre court on Australian screens this season – with a host of games LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand, plus game replays.
WATCH the opening round of the WNBA Playoffs LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand with a doubleheader as Chicago Sky host Dallas Wings and New York Liberty take on Phoenix Mercury from 10 am (AEST) this Friday, September 24.
Despite a middling season where the Sky finished with a record of 16-16 and the sixth seed, the James Wade-coached outfit believes their talented line-up has the pieces to make a deep playoff run.
Chicago has only ever reached the WNBA Finals once in 2014 but it ended in tears as they went down in a clean sweep to Phoenix Mercury.
One factor on their side is future Hall-of-Famer Candace Parker who has been the fulcrum of the Sky’s success this term.
The Sky's seven-game losing streak in May and June was a by-product of Parker being on the shelf with an injury.
Since her return, they have had a winning record and proved they can beat anyone in the league.
They finished the regular season with a 98-87 home win over Indiana, highlighted by Diamond DeShields coming off the bench to tie her career-high with 30 points.
DeShields' performance made her the first bench player to finish a WNBA game with at least 30 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Now the trick is to find a way to slow down the high-powered Dallas offence, which had its way in beating Chicago in two of three meetings this year.
"I think the keys are going to be transition and limiting them to one shot at the goal," Sky coach Wade said.
"We can't allow them second and third opportunities, and we have to be able to guard one-on-one. We have to stay solid in our schemes and not turn over the ball."
The Wings (14-18) enter off an 87-84 win Sunday over Los Angeles that knocked the Sparks out of playoff consideration.
Dallas' ability to hit 3-pointers makes them a dangerous foe despite their losing record.
The Wings made 10 triples on Monday, the 10th time they've reached double figures this year in that category.
Arike Ogunbowale leads the Wings with 18.7 points per game. She scored 20 points against LA, which was the 17th time this year she has hit that mark.
Upcoming 2021 WNBA LIVE on SBS VICELAND and live-streamed via SBS On Demand
Friday, September 24
WNBA Playoffs Round 1 - Dallas Wings v Chicago Sky
10:00am – 12:00pm (AEST)
LIVE on SBS VICELAND and streamed LIVE via SBS On Demand
WNBA Playoffs Round 1 - New York Liberty v Phoenix Mercury
12:00pm – 02:00pm (AEST)
LIVE on SBS VICELAND and streamed LIVE via SBS On Demand
