"Let's turn the page": Chennedy Carter stresses on playoff push for Sky as she nears return from injury

Chennedy Carter sat out the Chicago Sky’s last four games due to the WNBA’s health and safety protocol. Carter’s absence has been sorely felt as she is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 17.2 points per game. Besides missing her offensive output, the Sky needed her presence on the defensive end.

Seven straight losses have dropped Chicago’s record to 11-22, tying them with the Atlanta Dream. The Sky is in danger of missing the playoffs despite adding Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese, the No. 3 and 7 picks in this year’s draft. Carter’s return should boost the team’s flailing playoff hopes.

Chennedy Carter had this to say to the media after the Sky’s practice on Thursday:

“I’m back now and I’m ready to work with you guys. I miss you guys. I wanna make a run [at the playoffs]. I’m here to do that. Let’s f**king do it. Let’s turn the page, let’s forget about these last couple of games and let’s worry about the next couple that we have.”

The Sky have seven games remaining in their schedule, including a showdown with the Dream on Sept. 17. Chicago wins the season series 3-1 and owns the tiebreaker if they beat Atlanta on the road. But, the Dream isn’t the only team that’s making a late run at the eighth and final playoff spot.

The 10th-ranked Washington Mystics hold an 11-23 record, just half a game behind. Most likely gave up on Washington after the team dropped to 6-22 following an 83-77 loss to the Seattle Storm on Aug. 20. They are 5-1 since and have momentum leading into the final stretch of the regular season.

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Chennedy Carter and Chicago Sky can’t afford to overlook LA Sparks

The LA Sparks own the worst record in the WNBA, holding a 7-26 mark. Although that team is at the bottom of the standings, Chennedy Carter and the Chicago Sky can’t afford to overlook them. Despite an injury-plagued roster, the Sparks pushed the Indiana Fever on the road before losing 93-86 on Wednesday.

Chennedy Carter’s return could be the push the Sky needs to fend off its pursuers. They have to take care of business starting with a home matchup against the Sparks.