Sky point guard Courtney Vandersloot recorded the second triple-double in WNBA playoff history in Chicago's 101-95 upset over the top-ranked Connecticut Sun in Game 1 of the semifinals on Tuesday. She joins Sheryl Swoopes as the only players with a triple-double in the playoffs.
Vandersloot tallied 12 points, 18 assists and 10 rebounds in the double-overtime win. Her 18 assists also set a playoff record, passing Sue Bird's mark of 16 recorded last season for the Seattle Storm.
Candace Parker led Chicago in scoring with 22 points, while Allie Quigley added 19, handing Connecticut its first loss since July 3.
In Tuesday night's second semifinals matchup, Riquna Williams and Kelsey Plum teamed up to help the second-seeded Las Vegas Aces edge the Mercury Sun 96-90. Williams, a starter, had a team-leading 26 points. Meanwhile, Plum came off the bench late in the first quarter for Jackie Young and boosted Las Vegas' offense with 25 points.
Mercury star Brittney Griner wasn't far behind with 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Diana Taurasi had 20 points, six assists and five rebounds in her second game back from an ankle injury.
(Photo: Chris Marion / NBAE via Getty Images)
How elite was Vandersloot's performance?
Shannon Ryan, women's basketball managing editor: Parker, a 14-year veteran who is in her first year with the Sky, said it's been "fun" playing alongside a point guard as talented as Vandersloot.
"It's remarkable for her to do what she did, play the minutes she did, defend, rebound, come down and facilitate through pressure," she said. "I think sometimes we get spoiled because we see it all the time, we see the plays she makes."
But we almost never see that from any player.
Connecticut coach Curt Miller said, "We just gave her different looks. We gave her different coverages. Ultimately, she orchestrates everything out there." Jonquel Jones said Vandersloot is "two steps ahead." Sky coach James Wade said, "It will go down as one of the best point guard games in WNBA playoff history."
Vandersloot was stunned to hear of her rare WNBA statistical feat, but she later shrugged off her unique skills.
"This is my job," she said. "This is what I'm here for."
How did Vandersloot impact Chicago's win?
Ryan: Vandersloot holds the steering wheel and steps on the gas pedal for the Sky, playing with the perfect mix of aggression and control. In a game where setting an uptempo pace dictated a win, Vandersloot was able to get the Sky running — and she managed to do it against the league's top defense.
Rebounding is essential in this series and requires efforts from the guards, and despite being active in every area of the game, Vandersloot still pulled down 10 boards. These numbers weren't in the triple-double category, but were as impressive: four steals, only four turnovers and 44 minutes of game action.
"We have to think of different ways to disrupt her," Miller said.
Can the Sky keep it up in Game 2?
Ryan: Any good spas in Hartford? The Sky need some recovery before Thursday.
Chicago has competed in three playoff games in six days, surviving the stress of two single-elimination games followed by Tuesday's double-overtime drama. As the lower seed, the Sky are the road team again and need to rebound quickly. The Sun had the luxury of resting with a double-bye.
But maybe now Chicago is in the Sun's head after the Sky snapped their 14-game win streak to set a tone in Game 1. Momentum can be everything in the playoffs.