WNBA Finals Game 2: O'Sullivan picks Sky at Mercury as Phoenix tries to tie series Wednesday night

In Chicago’s 91-77 win over Phoenix on Sunday, Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot’s +/- was +25. Phoenix Mercury’s guard Skyler Diggins-Smith’s +/- was -21…I love it when I’m right…

Seattle O’Sullivan so far: 142-118-1

Chicago Sky at Phoenix Mercury, 9 pm Eastern

The Pick: Chicago +4.5 (-110)

…but will that reasoning hold tonight? I think it will. Phoenix faces a must-win tonight, with the alternative being going down 0-2 and being virtually dead in the water headed to Chicago. So they’re gonna throw everything out on the court tonight. But I still like Chicago to cover. Why? In a word, defense. In the playoffs, the Sky have really stepped up their defense, cutting their points given up per game from 81.9 to 77.6. Phoenix’s defense has gone the other way, from 79.5 ppg during the regular season to 84.6. The Mercury have had a tumultuous road to this point, while the Sky are peaking at the right time and haven’t had the same roller-coaster ride. Vandersloot simply can’t be panicked into bad decisions, while the Sky’s newfound defensive intensity has kept opponents on their heels. Phoenix might win tonight but Chicago can smell it now. I’m sticking with them.