Copper, Quigley lift Sky past Sun for commanding series lead | CBC Sports

The sixth-seeded Sky finished the regular season .500 and 10 games behind the Sun but can win the best-of-five series and secure the franchise’s second trip to the league finals with a victory at home Wednesday.

Copper completed the three-point play and made a running layup to cap a 9-0 run midway through the final period to give the hosts the lead for good. She struck a pose after making the first basket.

“When she’s like this; it’s over,” Sky centre Candace Parker said of her teammate. “We remember the big plays, but it’s those and some.”

WATCH l Sky take down top-seeded Sun in Game 3:

Chicago Sky take game 3 over Connecticut Sun

Chicago Sky edge top-seeded Connecticut Sun 86-83 in Game 3 of a WNBA semifinals to take a 2-1 series lead. 1:26

Copper was 5 for 7 from the floor and always seemed to come up with a big basket when the Sky needed it. The energy seemed to filter its way into the crowd of 7,421 as Chicago survived a dramatic final few seconds.

Down 84-83, the Sun had a chance to go ahead in the final seconds when Briann January got behind the defence on a breakaway, but missed the layup.

DeWanna Bonner scored 22 points to lead the Sun, who also got 18 from Alyssa Thomas.

“They got some loose balls tonight and they were a little tougher down the stretch,” Bonner said. “Right now, `What if we made that shot?,’ `What if we got that rebound?’ is all we’re thinking about.”

Copper made a 3-pointer with 25 seconds left in the first half to give the Sky a 37-35 edge at the break.

“I was just aggressive from the beginning,” Copper said. “I think it’s important to bring that confidence. I’m just trying to do whatever I can do out there.”

Azura Stevens had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Parker added 10 points and 11 boards for the Sky, who are seeking their first finals appearance since 2014.

Chicago forces 16 turnovers

The Sun appeared to get its offence untracked in the second quarter but didn’t show the same kind of precision in the final period and a half and finished with 16 turnovers. Sky coach James Wade thought his team deserved some of the credit.

Bonner was slow getting up after a rough collision with Diamond DeShields on a layup attempt late in the first half. She stayed in the game, however, and made both free throws. DeShields was assessed a flagrant 1 personal foul after a video review of the play.

Connecticut’s Jonquel Jones, this season’s league MVP, finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks after being held to just four points in the Sun’s 79-68 game 2 victory. The Sky, however, held her to just one field goal on two tries in the final period Sunday.

“There’s a lot of attention to her,” Miller said. “The challenge is to get JJ touches where she can score.”