DiJonai Carrington Makes Strong Comeback for Chicago Sky After Injury DiJonai Carrington has made a notable return to form for the Chicago Sky, showcasing her resilience and adaptability as she recovers from a nearly year-long injury absence. In her first three games back, Carrington has averaged 11.7 points off the bench while maintaining her signature defensive intensity. Her ability to adjust to the game’s demands has been a key factor in her smooth transition back to the court. Carrington expressed satisfaction with her progress, emphasizing her focus on playing freely and leading the team’s defense. She acknowledged the challenge of reacclimating to the physicality of the game, noting that each game has brought her closer to feeling comfortable with new techniques and handling contact. “I feel like each game I’ve felt myself getting a little more comfortable trying something new or just being able to take bumps and contact and stay on balance a little bit more,” she told the Sun-Times at shootaround. Her offensive approach has evolved as well. In her first two games, Carrington relied heavily on her 3-point shooting and pull-up jumpers, but she shifted to a more aggressive inside game in her third contest. Against the Phoenix Mercury, she recorded a game-high 12 free throws, though she admitted frustration over missing five of them. “Getting to the line don’t matter if you don’t make them,” she said, highlighting her determination to improve her efficiency as a scorer. Despite her progress, Carrington has not entirely dismissed the lingering effects of her injury. She described her ability to play without thinking about her injured foot as “in waves,” occasionally catching herself focusing on the issue during closeouts.#chicago_sky #los_angeles_sparks #dijonai_carrington #lynne_roberts #azura_stevens
Chicago Sky's Victory Over Sparks Marks Turning Point with Carrington's Return The Chicago Sky secured a 95-88 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on August 5, marking a pivotal moment in their season as the team’s defense began to take shape with the return of DiJonai Carrington. The win improved the Sky’s record to 12-19, offering a glimmer of hope as the season enters its final stretch. Natasha Cloud, a key player for the team, highlighted Carrington’s impact, stating, “DiJonai Carrington has changed our team, the trajectory of our defense. We got some momentum shifting right now.” Cloud, who has been a vocal leader for the Sky, contributed 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists in the game. Her energy was evident from the start, including her emphatic support for Sydney Taylor after Taylor hit a game-winning shot against the Las Vegas Aces on August 1. The Sky’s offensive surge was complemented by Kamilla Cardoso and Jacy Sheldon, who each scored 15 points. The team’s dominance in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Sparks 34-18, proved decisive in securing the win. Carrington’s return to the lineup has been a game-changer for the Sky. Since rejoining the team, the Sky have posted a 3-1 record in their last four games, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles. Carrington, who signed a one-year deal with Chicago on April 12, has averaged 10.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc. Her presence has brought defensive flexibility, physicality, and a renewed sense of urgency to the team. The Sky’s season has not been without challenges. Rickea Jackson’s season ended prematurely due to an ACL tear, and Skylar Diggins has missed several games due to injury.#chicago_sky #los_angeles_sparks #dijonai_carrington #kamilla_cardoso #natasha_cloud
Chicago Sky Re-Sign Courtney Vandersloot, Add DiJonai Carrington The Chicago Sky have re-signed veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot following her abbreviated 2025 season, which was cut short by an ACL injury sustained in June. The team confirmed the deal on Sunday, though terms were not disclosed publicly. A source told ESPN’s Alexa Philippou that Vandersloot signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract. Vandersloot, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise since her 2011 draft selection, expressed her eagerness to return, stating, “I truly believe the Sky are building something special, which made it a no-brainer to sign back.” She also acknowledged the disappointment of finishing the 2025 season prematurely due to her injury. Despite playing only seven games in 2025, Vandersloot made history as the Sky’s all-time leading scorer. She surpassed her wife and former teammate Allie Quigley to claim the franchise record, amassing 3,745 points with the team. Vandersloot, who has scored 4,352 career points in her WNBA career, also holds the Sky’s records for assists (2,423) and steals (468). Her 2,886 career assists rank second in WNBA history behind Sue Bird’s 3,234. A five-time All-Star (2011, 2019, 2021–23), Vandersloot was named to the All-WNBA first team in 2019 and 2020. The Sky also added free agent DiJonai Carrington, who signed a one-year deal, according to a source. Carrington, a 5-11 guard-forward, previously averaged 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 20 games for the Dallas Wings in 2025 before being traded to the Minnesota Lynx at the trade deadline. With the Lynx, Carrington contributed 8.6 points per game over 11 regular-season contests, shooting 48.5% from the field and 45.5% on three-pointers.#chicago_sky #courtney_vandersloot #allie_quigley #dijonai_carrington #jeff_pagliocca
