Hailey Van Lith reacts to perfect 20-point preseason game after offseason injury rehab

Hailey Van Lith scored 20 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting line in the second half of the Chicago Sky’s preseason opener against the Phoenix Mercury, using extended minutes to show progress following an offseason ankle injury.

With both teams resting starters after halftime, Van Lith played with a group competing for roster spots and took advantage of the opportunity, particularly in the mid-range.

“I’ve worked hard at things I need to get better at to play more in control and make better reads,” Van Lith said, as reported by Alissa Hirsh of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Her scoring largely came from the mid-range, which she identified as an area to target as the game progressed.

“My first stint out there, I just wanted to get my legs under me, run up and down and feel the physicality,” said Van Lith. “Then I was looking for the mid-range the second time. Watching Skylar (Diggins) pick them apart in the mid-range in the first half, I knew it would probably be there for me, too.”

Chicago’s 108-104 loss reflected a team still adjusting in its first 2026 preseason outing under coach Tyler Marsh. Early possessions leaned heavily on isolation, including touches for forward Rickea Jackson, before ball movement improved in the second quarter. Rachel Banham found space for three open three-pointers during that stretch.

“At times, we did get stagnant,” Banham said. “We’re still figuring out how we’re going to move together and move the ball.”

The Sky attempted 16 three-pointers compared to 34 by Phoenix, highlighting a potential spacing concern. Defensively, Chicago allowed more than 50 first-half points, including 19 from Kahleah Copper.

The two teams met for the preseason matchup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, childhood home of Mercury coach Nate Tibbits. Tibbits also coached the Heat’s G League affiliate, Sioux Falls Skyforce.

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