Courtney Vandersloot’s passion for basketball and dedication to the game were on full display as the Chicago Sky defeated the Dallas Wings 97-92 on Thursday night. During the third quarter, Vandersloot surpassed the franchise’s all-time scoring record with her signature pull-up jumpers, finishing the game with 13 points, which raised her career total with the Sky to 3,728. She also contributed nine assists and four steals.
This historic achievement was a special moment shared with her family, especially as she broke the record previously held by her wife, Allie Quigley. The retired Sky star watched proudly with their daughter Jana, who was born this past April, from the Wintra Store Arina suite.
At 36 years old, Vandersloot had already cemented her place in Sky history before this game, having led the team to their first championship in 2021 and setting league records for assists. After departing for the New York Liberty in 2023, her return to Chicago this year reasserted her commitment and gave her another shot at making an impact.
In her post-game comments, Vandersloot remained humble about the milestone, emphasizing that records are made to be broken. She also highlighted the significance of breaking her wife’s record as a symbol of their shared dedication to the franchise, acknowledging Quigley’s scoring talent and confidence that the record would stand strong for some time.
Meanwhile, the Wings were noticeably different from previous seasons, building a roster around 2025 draft pick Paige Bueckers. Despite setbacks due to injuries during their college years, Bueckers showed promise, finishing with 15 points, eight assists, three blocks, and three steals. She praised the Sky’s stars for their relentless energy and competitiveness on the court.
Rookie coach Tyler Marsh saw his team build an early lead, powered by Kamilla Cardoso’s career-high 23 points. Although the Wings struggled offensively in the second half, Angel Reese contributed with rebounds and assists despite a shooting slump.
The Wings’ four-time All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale was the game’s top scorer with 37 points, shooting an impressive 6-6 from beyond the arc. The Sky will look to continue their momentum in a rematch with Dallas on Saturday.
Fan Take: This game not only showcased the incredible talent and legacy of Courtney Vandersloot but also highlighted the rising stars in the league, signaling an exciting future for the WNBA. For fans, it’s a testament to the sport’s growing competitiveness and the deep personal stories that make every game more meaningful.
