The Latest Breaking News from Marina Mabrey

“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].’’

“I mean, we came back,” interim coach/general manager Emre Vatansever said. “There are 40 minutes in a game, and there are ups and downs. Of course, there are some times that disconnection happens for both teams. But, no, nothing big.”

Williams led the Sky to an 80-63 victory over the Sparks with a game-high 21 points, nine rebounds and two assists.

Through 12 games (nine starts), she’s averaging 10.3 points, a team-high 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.

“If you’re looking at it in the scheme of 11 games, then maybe you’ll call it a skid,” Marina Mabrey said. “If you’re looking at it in 40 games, it’s a wave.”

The Chicago Sky faced an important test Thursday: Can this new-look roster withstand the absence of Kahleah Copper?

Of the Sky’s nine games leading into the All-Star break, six are against teams in the top five of the standings. The other three are against the Dream and Fever, both of whom have beaten the Sky once.

The Sky (5-6) held a seven-point lead with seven minutes to play in the fourth quarter, but an 11-0 run by the Fever erased it.

“To me, everyone has an individual duty to be ready to play and use your strengths when it’s your time,” guard Marina Mabrey says.