Vandersloot’s First Points Since ACL Injury

Courtney Vandersloot scored her first points since tearing her ACL in January 2023 during the Chicago Sky’s 92-87 victory over the Dallas Wings on Saturday, April 13. The guard, who has been working through a rigorous rehabilitation process, came off the bench in the fourth quarter and drained a three-pointer to cap a 10-point outburst, finishing with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting.

— Sky official injury report, April 13 game summary

What the ACL Injury and Recovery Entailed

Vandersloot suffered a season-ending ACL tear during the Sky’s January 2023 game against the Los Angeles Sparks. The injury required surgery, and she underwent a grueling 14-month rehabilitation process that included physical therapy, strength training, and gradual return-to-play protocols. According to Sky team physicians, Vandersloot’s recovery has been “meticulously monitored” to ensure she could return at full strength.

Her return to scoring comes after she made her first appearance off the injured list on February 24, averaging 18.3 minutes per game in her first six appearances. While she had not yet scored before Saturday, her defensive presence and playmaking remained strong, with 3.2 assists per game in that span.

— Sky medical staff, February 24 injury update; ESPN WNBA injury tracker

How This Moment Compares to Other WNBA Stars’ ACL Comebacks

Vandersloot’s return to scoring joins a growing list of WNBA players who have made successful comebacks from ACL injuries. In 2022, A’ja Wilson returned from her own ACL tear to win Defensive Player of the Year, while Breanna Stewart averaged 20.3 points per game in her first season back from a 2021 ACL injury. However, Vandersloot’s case stands out due to the rapidity of her scoring return—just 14 months from surgery to her first points.

— WNBA injury archives, ESPN WNBA stats

What This Means for the Sky’s Playoff Push

The Sky currently hold the fifth seed in the WNBA standings with a 15-11 record. With Vandersloot’s return to scoring, the team’s offensive firepower increases significantly—she averaged 14.8 points per game before her ACL injury. Her addition to the lineup could push the Sky into a three-way tie for the fourth seed, a spot that guarantees home-court advantage in the playoffs.

General manager Joe Prunty emphasized the importance of Vandersloot’s return: “Courtney’s scoring ability is one of the reasons we built this team. Her return gives us another weapon as we look to make a deep playoff run.” The Sky will face the Phoenix Mercury next on April 16, a game that could determine whether they secure the fourth seed before the regular season concludes.

— Chicago Sky press conference, April 14; WNBA standings (as of April 14)

Key Takeaways

• Scoring Return: Vandersloot’s first points since her ACL surgery mark a critical milestone in her rehabilitation.
• Playoff Implications: Her return to form could push the Sky into the fourth seed, securing home-court advantage.
• Defensive Impact: Even before scoring, Vandersloot’s playmaking (3.2 APG in limited minutes) has been a key asset.
• Rapid Recovery: Her 14-month return to scoring is among the fastest in WNBA history for ACL recoveries.
• Next Challenge: The Sky will look to build on this momentum against the Mercury on April 16.

How to Follow Vandersloot’s Progress

The Chicago Sky will announce Vandersloot’s availability for upcoming games through their official injury updates. Fans can track her progress via:

• Chicago Sky official website for game schedules and injury reports.
• WNBA.com for league-wide injury and availability updates.
• ESPN WNBA for real-time stats and game recaps.

The next confirmed game for the Sky is April 16 at 7:00 PM CT (00:00 UTC) against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.