Chennedy Carter returns, helps Sky to seven game skid

The sky needed a spark.

They did on Friday night with the return of guard Chennedy Carter after a four-game absence that exposed the team’s offensive woes and added to a seven-game skid that threatened their playoff hopes.

Carter finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in a 92-78 win over the Sparks at Wintrust Arena that pulled the Sky even with the Dream at 12-22 in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot . Rookie forward Angel Reese recorded her 26th double-double, finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds.

“I’ve never been in this place at this point in my career,” said Carter, who has been sidelined by an illness. “Feeling (support) from not only our fans, but my teammates and my coaches makes me feel loved and appreciated. It’s an amazing feeling.”

When the Sky opened training camp in late April, there was no indication of the impact Carter would have. She made the final roster after initially being signed to a training camp contract and began her fourth WNBA season on the bench. Then, over three months, she worked her way up to become Sky’s leading scorer and the engine of the offence.

Sky went 0-4 in her absence. Now that he’s back, he’s ready to help them reorient themselves.

“I let them know, ‘Guys, I know I’ve been gone a minute longer than I expected, but I’m back now and I’m ready to work with you guys,'” Carter said Thursday. ” “I missed you guys. i want to run I’m here to do that. Let’s do this. Let’s turn the page. “

Friday was the first step. But the challenge is steep. The seven-game skid closed the gap between the Sky and the Dream and allowed the Mystics to get within striking distance.

Sky are last in the league in points per game since play resumed after the Olympics. They also averaged 19.3 turnovers per game while Carter was out.

She was looking forward to getting reacclimated with her big rookies, Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon was equally excited to welcome Carter back.

“She being what she is, so dangerous with the ball, there’s a lot of attention on her,” Weatherspoon said Thursday. “She uses screens, any pick and roll with any of the post players. She is very good at creating space and in fact take two with her to be able to get the license to the sea. So I know she’s excited and they’re excited.”

This season marked Carter’s return to the WNBA after the Sparks waived her prior to last season. In her first 12 games off the bench, she averaged 12.9 points. In the 16 games since then, she is averaging 20.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

He will be a restricted free agent in January. Weatherspoon made it clear that as long as she coaches Sky, she wants Carter in uniform for her.

Ultimately, that decision will come down to who Sky lands in free agency. But Carter’s stock is undeniably on the rise.

“This season shows my worth,” she said Friday.