The Chicago Sky have defeated the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 to claim the first WNBA championship in franchise history. The Sky overcame a 14-point deficit in securing their first ring.
Chicago's victory brings Candace Parker's return to her hometown full circle with the second ring of her prestigious career. Her presence bolstered the foundation laid by the Sky over recent years thanks to head coach James Wade, 2021 All-WNBA first team selection Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley and Kahleah Copper.
The Sky's Finals run energized a hoops city celebrating its first championship since Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth title in 1997-98.
Chicago fans couldn't help but share the good vibes across social media after seeing the Sky secure a ring after making the Finals with a record at or below .500 for the second time in team history (2014). The 2013 Atlanta Dream are the only other franchise in WNBA history to do so.
The path to any championship is often long and filled with challenges. In Chicago's case, winning the WNBA title marks a key turning point since the franchise entered the league as an expansion team in 2006.
With ample excitement to take in, let's examine the good vibes around another championship making its way to the Windy City.
Soaking it all in
HOW ARE WE FEELING #SKYTOWN!?!??!?!
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) October 17, 2021
This one is for you, Chicago. 🏆
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) October 17, 2021
The Chicago Sky are your 2021 WNBA Champions. pic.twitter.com/Pv4KiTzLIA
For the FIRST time in franchise history ...
— ESPN (@espn) October 17, 2021
The Chicago Sky are #WNBAFinals Champions! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/90CrO1Muve
THE CHICAGO SKY: WNBA CHAMPIONS! https://t.co/6bUKVtBWOl
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 17, 2021
Candace Parker earns ring No. 2 and her flowers
LEGEND!!!!! @Candace_Parker went back home and got that chip!!! Congrts to @chicagosky on winning y'all first 🏆
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) October 17, 2021
I started crying around the 2 min mark and the tears of joy are still flowing! Man, I'm SO DAMN HAPPY for @Candace_Parker and the @chicagosky EPIC series #WNBAFinals
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 17, 2021
🙌🏽 congrats @Candace_Parker and the @chicagosky that was fun to watch!!! https://t.co/QRxYZl9aEz
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) October 17, 2021
happy for @Candace_Parker 🙌🏽🙌🏽 dats so tough 🔥🔥
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) October 17, 2021
IM HAPPY AS HELL FOR CP!!! @Candace_Parker This is one for the Legacy books!!! 🤍 Salute!! #WNBAFinals
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) October 17, 2021
Home Town Champion @Candace_Parker pic.twitter.com/g5TC1CBQSZ
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) October 17, 2021
Wow! Congrats to Silk @Candace_Parker and the whole @chicagosky team of the @WNBA and organization!!! 2021 Champs forever!!!
— Lisa Leslie (@LisaLeslie) October 17, 2021
Congrats to one of the 🐐 @Candace_Parker 🏁
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) October 17, 2021
Much RESPECT @Candace_Parker . Congrats to you! Congrats to your city! Congrats @chicagosky
— Tina Charles (@tinacharles31) October 17, 2021
Congratulations @Candace_Parker and the @chicagosky. Way to hoop ladies!
— James Harden (@JHarden13) October 17, 2021
Kahleah Copper's journey comes full circle
Kahleah Copper is the 2021 WNBA Finals MVP 😤
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 17, 2021
Well deserved 👏 pic.twitter.com/lfvYqotNs1
💙 KAHLEAH. FINALS MVP. COPPER. 💙 pic.twitter.com/g0oMnJPkbO
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) October 17, 2021
NORTH MF PHILLY!! @kahleahcopper @WNBA MVP MVP MVP! Congrats my girl!! Heck yeah!! #WNBAFinals
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) October 17, 2021
We all need to take a bow for these women of the @WNBA because they gave us EVERYTHING they had! Beautiful! @chicagosky congrats on a super exciting finals. @PhoenixMercury you defied the odds! #WNBAFinals
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) October 17, 2021
Finals MVP @kahleahcopper!!! This kid is the future of the league. Congratulations #KFC
— Sheryl Swoopes (@airswoopes22) October 17, 2021
R 2021 WNBA Champion and Finals MVP, Kahleah Copper.#RutgersInTheWNBA pic.twitter.com/stKKUppj8a
— Rutgers W.Basketball (@RutgersWBB) October 17, 2021
"KFC, KFC, KFC!"@kahleahcopper is named the 2021 #WNBAFinals MVP and her teammates couldn't be more HYPED for her 🍾#WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/sFyx1VPR8f
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 17, 2021
ESPN Stats & Information contributed to this story.
