Phoenix, Arizona - The Chicago Sky started their quest for the 2021 WNBA title with a big win over a familiar foe in the Phoenix Mercury.

The Sky won Game One of the Finals 93-77 over the Mercury on Sunday afternoon to take an early championship series lead on the road.

This is the second time these two basketball teams have matched up in the Finals, with the Mercury winning their 2014 title, their last championship, by sweeping the Sky in three games.

Chicago forward Candace Parker (35), in her first season with the Sky, has been what her team has needed for a potential championship crown. She finished the game with 18 points and eight rebounds.

The Sky had their work cut out for them against the Mercury, needing to neutralize center Brittney Griner and legendary WNBA guard Diana Taurasi for the win.

After Mercury had built up a lead after the first quarter, the Sky tightened up their defense and held Phoenix to just 10 points, putting up 26 themselves.

That second-quarter performance was what made the difference for Chicago, as point scoring was mostly equal in the second half, keeping the Sky ahead for good.

Despite the strong defensive show by Chicago, Griner did manage to score a game-high 20 points, though she only got six rebounds. Taurasi added 17 points and three rebounds in Phoenix’s loss.

For the Sky, guard Kahleah Copper led all scorers with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Allie Quigley contributed 18 points and three boards in the game one victory.

The Sky will look to take a commanding series lead in game two on Wednesday night, back in Phoenix.