Chennedy Carter RETURNS to Practice After Being Sick for a Week…

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Angel Reese’s Nickname for Chicago Sky Teammate Chennedy Carter

Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky have found themselves in a little bit of a hole that they can’t seem to get out of.

After a 90-71 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday night, the Sky have found themselves in the middle of a seven-game losing streak. They have also lost their lead in the race for the final seed in the playoffs as the Atlanta Dream have tied them in the standings at 11-22.

A big reason why the Sky have had this poor stretch is because of the absence of guard Chennedy Carter, who has missed the last four games for health and safety protocols.

But Carter was seen back at practice in a recent social media post from the Sky.

The post included Reese mic’d up at a recent Chicago practice, talking to her teammates.

In the middle of the video, you can see Chi Barbie high-fiving Carter, referencing her as “Chenn Doll.”

The nickname stems from the popular movie Barbie, which includes the famous Mattel dolls Barbie and Ken.

Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter (7) reacts next to forward Angel Reese (5).

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

“Chenn Doll” has been the Sky’s top scorer throughout the 2024 WNBA season, averaging 17.2 points per game on 50% shooting. If Chicago wants to make the playoffs, they will need strong performances from Carter and Reese down the final stretch.

Angel Reese And Chicago Sky Receive Major Boost with Promising Chennedy Carter Update

via Imago

The Chicago Sky has been fighting hard to clinch a playoff berth this season. Adding to the struggles was their best scorer this year — Chennedy Carter, who suddenly withdrew from games. While many speculated on the possible reasons, a recent report revealed that Carter had COVID-19. Post that, the Sky lost all hopes of making a comeback, losing the following four games. However, an air of positive news has circulated for the Windy City. The basketball world once again saw the 2020 fourth-overall pick during a practice session on Thursday ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Certainly boosting the spirits of Angel Reese and Co.

The Underdog WNBA tweeted Carter’s health updates on Thursday, helping fans breathe a sigh of relief. Carter last played the Las Vegas Aces in late August. There, she hit a team-high 25 points with 5 rebounds. In the previous update, she was in a hospital bed. Her absence slimmed the playoff chances for the Sky. It also demoralized Reese’s spirits, who has been a lone warrior for the Sky in all these games.

Chennedy Carter (health protocols) participating in practice Thursday.

— Underdog WNBA (@Underdog__WNBA) September 5, 2024

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Polls of the day

Poll 1 of 4

How excited are you about Chennedy Carter’s return to the Chicago Sky?

Extremely excited

Somewhat excited

Not excited at all

Indifferent

Do you agree with Chet Holmgren’s plea for better player safety in the NBA?

Absolutely

No way

It’s complicated

Not sure

What excites you most about Lisa Leslie’s fascination with Caitlin Clark?

Clark’s potential

Leslie’s endorsement

Future of WNBA

Indiana Fever’s playoff hopes

What do you think was the key missing factor driving A’ja Wilson’s record-breaking season?

Coaching

Team chemistry

Personal motivation

Lack of competition

Last week on Tuesday, the Sky’s practice session was abruptly canceled, shocking the fans. Later, it was revealed that many of the Sky players had fallen ill only for the athletes to be seen wearing masks as per the COVID-19 protocols. Carter was said to have tested positive for COVID-19 before their game against the Washington Mystics in August. This must have put additional pressure on Reese as she tried her best to help the Sky win games. However, the rookie failed to uplift the team despite exceptional performances.

While Carter averages the team’s highest 17.2 points per game, Reese logs 13.3 points with 13.2 rebounds per game. The duo has been one of the mainstays for the Sky this season with fans even naming them the Chenn-Barbie of Chicago. The loyalists have been wishing for Carter’s comeback so that the franchise could make it to the playoffs once again. Currently, Chicago is in the eighth spot in the WNBA rankings with only 7 games left before the regular season ends. Hence, there are still chances of them making a last-minute comeback with the 25-year-old on the hardwood. But can Chenedy Carter’s return ensure the end of distressing times for the team?

Chicago’s rebuilding mission might just fall in line with Chennedy Carter at the helm

The Chicago Sky was tasked with a difficult mission at the start of the season. A new head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, had just taken over the duties. Their primary players, including Kahleah Copper, Alanna Smith, and Courtney Williams, had either departed in free agency or were traded to other teams. Thus, T-spoon accepted the duty of rebuilding the team in her first season itself.

After several permutations and combinations, the head coach has apparently decided that Reese could be the double-double queen with her rebounding prowess in full display. On the other hand, Chennedy Carter could help the team offensively. Meanwhile, the third-overall pick Kamilla Cardoso could push the team defensively through her dominance in the paint.

However, an unexpected health problem with Carter washed their hopes of making the playoffs. But now if the star takes the court in the next 7 games, the fans and Reese can hope that the team ultimately qualifies for the elimination series. This news would certainly lift the Sky’s spirits.