Sky struggled without their stars in the line-up

The Chicago Sky were without two of their most impactful players on Wednesday afternoon — and it showed. Missing Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins, the Sky struggled mightily on both ends of the floor, falling 86-49 to the Atlanta Dream in one of their toughest losses of the season.

From the jump, Atlanta set the tone. After a solid first half, the Dream exploded out of the break with a 14-0 run to start the third quarter, eventually outscoring the Sky 33-10 in the frame. By the end of the third, Atlanta led 74-36 and had made more field goals in the quarter (13) than the Sky had all game to that point. The Dream built their lead to as many as 43 in the fourth.

Brittney Griner led the Dream with 15 points, while Brionna Jones and Allisha Gray chipped in 14 each. Rookie Te-Hina Paopao added 13 points and Naz Hillmon scored 10. Jordin Canada tallied eight assists as Atlanta improved to 13-9.

Chicago (7-15) was led by Rebecca Allen’s nine points and Kamilla Cardoso’s 8 points and 11 rebounds. The team narrowly avoided setting a new franchise low for points when Moriah Jefferson hit a jumper in the final seconds.

Reese, who had 22 points and 10 rebounds in her last outing, was sidelined with a leg injury. The team called it precautionary, but fans are eager for updates, especially with Reese expected to suit up for Team Collier in this weekend’s WNBA All-Star Game.

The Sky return to action on July 22 against the Minnesota Lynx.