Chennedy Carter returns to help Sky end seven-game losing streak

Heaven needed a spark.

On Friday night, they managed to restore guard Chennedy Carter after a four-game absence, during which time the team’s offensive issues were exposed and a seven-game losing streak extended that has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

Carter finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in a 92-78 win over the Sparks at Wintrust Arena, which put the Sky even with the Dream at 12-22 in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot. Rookie forward Angel Reese posted her 26th double-double, finishing with 24 points and 12 rebounds, a game-high.

“I’ve never been in this place, in this moment, in my career,” said Carter, who has been sidelined by illness. “To feel the support not only from our fans, but from my teammates and my coaches, makes me feel loved and appreciated. It’s an incredible feeling.”

When the Sky opened training camp in late April, it was unclear what impact Carter would have. She made the final roster after initially signing a training camp contract and began her fourth WNBA season on the bench. Then, over the course of three months, she developed into the Sky’s leading scorer and the engine of the offense.

During her absence, Sky lost 4-0. Now that she’s back, she’s ready to help them refocus.

“I told them, ‘Guys, I know I was gone a minute longer than I expected, but I’m back and ready to work with you,'” Carter said Thursday. “‘I missed you guys. I want to get going. That’s what I’m here for. Let’s do this. Let’s start a new chapter.'”

Friday was the first step. But the challenge is great. The seven-game losing streak closed the gap between Sky and Dream and allowed the Mystics to get within striking distance.

Since play resumed after the Olympics, the Sky have ranked last in the league in points per game. During Carter’s absence, they have also averaged a league-high 19.3 turnovers per game.

She was especially excited to get reacquainted with her rookie players Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon was equally excited to welcome Carter back.

“She just is who she is, so dangerous with the ball, she’s the center of attention,” Weatherspoon said Thursday. “She uses blocks, every pick-and-roll with all the post players. She’s very good at creating space and actually taking two to get the pass to a big. So I know she’s excited and they’re excited.”

This season marked Carter’s return to the WNBA after the Sparks released her before last season. In her first 12 games as a substitute, she averaged 12.9 points. In the 16 games since, she has averaged 20.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

She will be a restricted free agent in January. Weatherspoon has made it clear that she wants Carter in uniform as long as she coaches the Sky.

Ultimately, that decision will depend on who the Sky sign as free agents, but Carter’s stock price has undeniably risen.

“This season shows my worth,” she said on Friday.