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Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
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CST Editorial Board

Cheers to an unforgettable fourth quarter that won the Chicago Sky its first WNBA title

Candace Parker of the Chicago Sky celebrates after defeating the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 in Game Four of the WNBA Finals to win the championship at Wintrust Arena on Sunday. | Getty

Chicagoans are walking with more love and pride for their city than usual, and the 2021 WNBA Champions Chicago Sky is to blame.

Chicago loves champions and — most of all — we love a powerful comeback.

That’s exactly what put 10,378 fans at Wintrust Area on the edge of their seats on Sunday when the fierce Arizona Mercury had the lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter with no plans on slowing down against the Chicago Sky.

Fans witnessed Allie Quigley of Joliet come in with back-to-back three-point shots to cut the nail-biting deficit down to five in the last 10 minutes. Then the reliable Courtney Vandersloot scored four points at a vital 23.4 seconds, followed by two smooth free throws that gave the Chicago Sky a six-point lead with 10.4 seconds left on the clock.

Teamwork and perseverance helped the Chicago Sky fight back in the fourth quarter to beat the Arizona Mercury 80-74 in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals and secure the franchise’s first championship. And we, as for the rest of Chicago, are here to celebrate and recognize the team that worked for their “best of the best” title.

It’s a title that required contributions from everyone. From Candace Parker’s return home to James Wade’s leadership to Quigley’s and Vandersloot’s continued commitment to the organization to the growth of fan support for a team determined to win despite the highs and lows throughout the season.

Chicago will celebrate the 2021 WNBA Champions Chicago Sky on Tuesday with a parade and rally. Starting at 11 a.m. from Wintrust Arena, the team will travel down Michigan Avenue from Roosevelt to Randolph Street, and will end with a rally at noon at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Go out and cheer on the new champions in town.

Send letters to letters@suntimes.com

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