Taylor's game-winning shot lifts Sky past Valkyries

Chicago Sky rookie Sydney Taylor, undrafted out of Louisville, has become a standout for a franchise that has faced a rough season after trading Angel Reese, turning heads with a clutch buzzer-beater to lift Chicago past the Golden State Valkyries. Since moving into the starting lineup, the 25-year-old has helped the Sky string together a stretch of solid performances, averaging around 14.5 points per game while shooting well from the field and beyond the arc. Taylor’s game-winning three—hitting with about 0.6 seconds left—capped a dramatic 73-70 upset of a Valkyries squad that briefly surged, featuring a late rally and a decisive late shot from Taylor over Veronica Burton. The win marked Chicago’s third straight, a season-high for the Sky, and underscored Taylor’s potential as a building block for the franchise amid ongoing questions about its long-term direction. The game also included a notable moment when several sex toys were thrown onto the court in the third quarter, highlighting the chaotic nature of a high-takes matchup. Analysts and coverage emphasize Taylor’s emergence as a future cornerstone for Chicago as the team navigates its remaining regular-season schedule.