The Latest Breaking News from Kahleah Copper

“I feel like I’ve been preparing the last eight seasons to be able to be in a role like this and feel OK doing it,” Loyd told the Sun-Times.

To create some separation between themselves and the bottom four teams in the league, the Sky need more cohesion in moments of adversity.

Copper scored 37 points in the Sky’s 107-95 loss at Wintrust Arena.

“You’re going to go through little phases where you’re not playing your best basketball, but you can’t attach your self-worth to it,” Mabrey said.

Former Sky assistant Awvee Storey rejoined the team as director of basketball, strategy and personnel after four seasons on former Sun coach Curt Miller’s staff in Connecticut beginning in 2019.

“Every person wants to play in their hometown, whether it’s playing there for college, whatever it is.” said Loyd, who played high school ball at Niles West. “There’s always a different feel. . . . At the same time, I’ve only known the Seattle Storm my whole [WNBA career].’’

The Sky have not commented on when and if they will separate the role of coach/general manager, which is currently being fulfilled on an interim basis by Emre Vatansever following James Wade’s abrupt departure for the NBA.

“I’ve been on a team that hasn’t made the playoffs,” Copper said. “Then I’ve been on a team that went on that run and won [a title.] With that, I want to continue to keep that strong and make the playoffs.”

“If we play the right way, you never know who is going to go off,” Emre Vatansever said. “I’m expecting there might be some more players with improved stats in the second half because we’re trying to share the ball.”

“To play in this game, to play with the greats, to be a championship organization, we’re going to have to keep improving,” Wade said.

“Adversity is a real thing, but to not put your head down or quit says a lot,” Copper said.