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PODCAST: Nick Niendorf’s newest edition of the Skycast

By Nicholas Niendorf

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 29: Stefanie Dolson #31 of the Chicago Sky looks on during the game against the Dallas Wings on August 29, 2019 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 29: Stefanie Dolson #31 of the Chicago Sky looks on during the game against the Dallas Wings on August 29, 2019 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Evaluating the Sky’s strengths and weaknesses in the playoffs

Nick Niendorf has another edition of the Skycast, this time talking about what could make or break the Chicago Sky’s playoff hopes.

One thing Niendorf took note of was the Sky’s pace, and whether or not head coach James Wade’s speedy system can survive in the postseason.

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“I really like how fast [the Sky] can play,” Niendorf said. “How uncomfortable they can make other teams, when the Sky really get into their offense and they don’t get into these lulls or trapped in the half court.”

The Sky currently lead the league in pace and get the second highest percentage of their points on the fast break, behind only the Connecticut Sun.

“Can the Sky do that in the playoffs?” Niendorf asked. “When things slow down, when your half court offense tends to be more important—and the Sky in the half court have been a lot less effective than they have been in transition.”

One factor in that question will be Stefanie Dolson, who can be a fulcrum for Chicago’s offense, both in the half court and on the break.

“Now, of course, the biggest question is in the front court,” Niendorf said. “And that really starts with Stefanie Dolson. I honestly have no idea what kind of Stef Dolson we’re going to get in the playoffs. She can be really important for this team. She’s an excellent passer, she’s great at positioning herself on offense, she’s nice in the pick-and-roll, she’s a good pick-and-popper. But she just cannot stay on the floor.”

Dolson has found herself in foul trouble in nearly every game she’s played in since All-Star Break, and has had five or more fouls in six games since the break.

The former All-Star will have a chance to build some momentum for herself in the Sky’s final two games of the season. Chicago will pay a visit to the Sun on Friday and the top-seeded Washington Mystics on Sunday.

Listen here:

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