WNBA FINALS: PHOENIX VS. CHICAGO

October 13, 2021

Kahleah Copper

Courtney Vandersloot

Candace Parker

Chicago Sky

Game 2: Postgame

Mercury 91, Sky 86

Q. The Mercury had just two leads up until the fourth quarter and then things kind of seemed to break down for you guys that allowed them to tie things up, and then we saw the back and forth. What happened for you guys that kind of allowed Diana [Taurasi] and BG [Brittney Griner] to really get going there in the fourth?

CANDACE PARKER: I think there were key parts of the game where we turned it over, could have had a two and gave up a three. I know my turnover where Brianna Turner from behind got me. They came down, got a lay-up. So I think there were a number of plays during the game, whether we were up or not, where it was like, it hurt us.

So I think, yeah, it was our turnovers. They had -- yeah, a lot of points off of our turnovers. Yeah, 25 points off our turnovers. So we've got to do a better job of taking care of the ball.

Q. When Brittney gets going like that, what are some of the challenges that she presents?

COURTNEY VANDERSLOOT: Well, she's tough. She was comfortable tonight. We always try to make things difficult as we can for her, mixing up reads, but when she gets going like that, she had 10 quick points early, but we're okay with that. We know she's a great player for a reason. We've just got to try and throw something else at her.

But we were still in a position to win the game, we just didn't make the right plays.

Q. Kahleah, it didn't seem like this team played you too much differently outside of them being physical with you. James voiced his displeasure with the team only getting to the line four times. Do you feel like this team played more physically with you from Game 1 to Game 2, or was there not a difference?

KAHLEAH COPPER: Yeah, I think this playoff run has been super physical. But yeah, we were just battling out there. I think -- this is the Finals, so that's what it's about. We adjust and we keep it moving.

Q. Candace, I'm curious from your observations, what were the types of adjustments that you thought BG was able to make defensively from Game 1 to Game 2?

CANDACE PARKER: BG was able to make defensively?

Q. Yes, adjustments.

CANDACE PARKER: I mean, I think that's more Phoenix. I know for me personally I don't know if it changed what we were trying to do in terms of moving the ball. I think obviously we have a lot of different weapons, so when they take one thing away, we've got to be confident and move it, and I think we did that early and we did that throughout the game in spurts. But we need a consistent 40 or 45 minutes of moving them. We can't play their game where we come off; they're too long and too active and too athletic.

Q. Candace, we saw you as you were walking to the bench you kind of tapped your chest. Was there a specific message you wanted to tell the team in that moment after the game?

CANDACE PARKER: I mean, this was a tough one. You lose Game 2 on the road in overtime, and I'll take that one. I think there were spurts where we needed to be better, and I think we were better in those moments, I like our chances. Phoenix came out, they really did a great job in the fourth quarter. I think we were up with 5:33 and then they came down, and I think we made mistakes, and I think I was one of those that made mistakes.

We've got to right that going back to Chicago.

Q. Sloot, I noticed you hurt your foot in the game. I was just wondering what's going on there, and do you expect it to be an issue going forward?

COURTNEY VANDERSLOOT: No, it's not going to be an issue going forward.

Q. Looking ahead to the next game, I'm sure you guys have heard that Wintrust [Arena] is already sold out. Just wanted to see what message you have for fans coming off of this game.

CANDACE PARKER: Well, first I want to take a moment because everyone always ask, how do we know when the WNBA is growing. I'm one of those that I've got to believe it with my own eyes, so I went on, tried to buy a ticket to Wintrust because a lot of times it's sold out but you can still get tickets, and there were no tickets, went on Ticketmaster and the resale value was amazing. First, I think it's great for our fans, it's great for the city of Chicago and it's great for the WNBA for that to happen.

Another thing, the NBA played on our court, they played on the WNBA court for preseason games. I think that just says a lot where the league is and the way the league is going, but then also just how proud we are to go back in the city of Chicago embracing us like they have.

Q. Candace, just as a Chicagoland native, I'm wondering what the opportunity to play the game on this stage in Chicago in the Finals means for you.

CANDACE PARKER: It means a lot. I mean, I think any opportunity you get to play in the Finals -- this is my 14th year, this is my third Finals. I don't take it for granted. And then to go back home, I think it's special. I hope that the city is ready to cheer us on and give us the energy we need.

Q. How many friends and family do you think will be in attendance for you on Friday?

CANDACE PARKER: A lot. I think everybody has a lot. People flying in, people already there, my baby girl is going to be there. I'm excited to play in Game 3 for sure.

Q. Courtney, can you maybe talk a little bit about Skylar [Diggins-Smith] tonight, maybe some of the things she was able to do? She missed some shots, but in the end she was able to make some good drives and some good decisions. How difficult was it, some of the things she was doing against you guys tonight?

COURTNEY VANDERSLOOT: Well, I mean, I think we made her take tough shots, and Skylar is a great player, she makes great plays, and that's what great players do. She made some good plays down the stretch. But we're going to continue to make things hard for her, and I think we're okay with where we're at, but yeah, this is the Finals. She's an Olympian. She's making great plays out there, as she should.

Q. You talk about this team obviously going back to a sold-out crowd in Chicago; how much momentum does this help you guys just knowing that this crowd is waiting for you guys, especially on this big of a stage and making sure that you guys stayed balanced and not get too high, get too low but know what mission is at hand, which is obviously to accomplish winning a championship?

CANDACE PARKER: You know, I think that's this team. We've got to stay together. Throughout this Playoffs, I don't think we've gotten too high or too low. Throughout this season I don't think we've gotten too high or too low. I think we've got to use it to our advantage, right? Everybody is going to be cheering for us, but we've got to stay focused and do the things that we know we have to do going into Game 3.

Q. Normally teams shoot around between 35 and 40 percent from the three-point line. I think tonight the team shot right around 31 percent. Without looking at the film do you feel like the quality of shots were up to you guys' normal standards or do you feel like you rushed or didn't take the same type of shots you've taken in Game 1 or in previous games this season?

COURTNEY VANDERSLOOT: Yeah, I think we probably settled a little bit too much in this game, forced some shots. We're really good when we're getting into the paint and then kicking out. Maybe we settled a little bit. We'd like to shoot at a higher percentage, but we'll watch some film, make sure we're taking really good shots because when we're taking good shots, there's a good chance we're going to score, and we're tough to beat.