The Latest Breaking News from Marina Mabrey

“You’re going to go through little phases where you’re not playing your best basketball, but you can’t attach your self-worth to it,” Mabrey said.

“Every person wants to play in their hometown, whether it’s playing there for college, whatever it is.” said Loyd, who played high school ball at Niles West. “There’s always a different feel. . . . At the same time, I’ve only known the Seattle Storm my whole [WNBA career].’’

“I mean, we came back,” interim coach/general manager Emre Vatansever said. “There are 40 minutes in a game, and there are ups and downs. Of course, there are some times that disconnection happens for both teams. But, no, nothing big.”

“Emre will be there through the 2023 season,” operating chairman Nadia Rawlinson told the Sun-Times following James Wade’s resignation. “We’re excited and confident in his ability to lead the team. We feel good about him in this role for now.”

Kahleah Copper finished one point shy of her career high after being held scoreless in the final 10 minutes.

Mabrey is the Sky’s second-leading scorer, averaging a career-high 15.8 points per game halfway through the season. She’s still looking for All-Star recognition.

Williams finished with 12 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds.

Williams led the Sky to an 80-63 victory over the Sparks with a game-high 21 points, nine rebounds and two assists.

Through 12 games (nine starts), she’s averaging 10.3 points, a team-high 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.

“If you’re looking at it in the scheme of 11 games, then maybe you’ll call it a skid,” Marina Mabrey said. “If you’re looking at it in 40 games, it’s a wave.”

The Chicago Sky faced an important test Thursday: Can this new-look roster withstand the absence of Kahleah Copper?