Azurá Stevens Returns to the Chicago Sky: Embracing Challenges on and off the Court

In the initial weeks of the Chicago Sky season, Azurá Stevens felt frustrated. The veteran forward was tired of being sidelined. After enduring a bone bruise at the end of the Unrivaled season, she faced months away from playing, navigating a challenging free-agency period while rehabilitating her injury. It wasn’t until her teammates took the court earlier this month that Stevens realized the toll her inactivity was taking.

Stevens expressed her frustrations to long-time teammate Courtney Vandersloot. She felt the recovery process was dragging. Her knee hurt. Each day was a struggle. Vandersloot, who is recovering from her own significant injury, encouraged her to persist with the assurance that the end was not far off.

Keep going. The end is closer than it feels.

Although Vandersloot’s advice resonated, Stevens couldn’t shake the frustration and boredom during her rehabilitation. Yet stepping onto the court last Saturday at Wintrust Arena shifted her perspective. She looked at the championship banner she had won with the Sky, aware of the support from fans both old and new. Vandersloot’s words began to hold more meaning.

Stevens voiced optimism in her return to the court:

Even though there’s a day-to-day grind and it can be taxing, if you keep walking in and stacking days, you’ll reach your goals. It’s a blessing.

Such persistence is not new for Stevens, whose WNBA career has been punctuated by injuries. She played only a few games in previous seasons due to various surgeries and injuries. Last season, she achieved the milestone of playing every regular-season game with the Los Angeles Sparks. However, an unfortunate collision during the Unrivaled season resulted in a bone bruise, a setback she had to allow time to heal.

Stevens followed the necessary recovery steps. She took time to rest, spent time with family, even vacationed in Jamaica. But the desire to play basketball lingered, intensifying as the Sky began their competitive season.

Stevens described her journey:

It’s frustrating, I can’t lie. This one tested my patience because of the injury’s nature. But everything has taught me about myself and helped me grow.

In Chicago, the Sky’s approach to her recovery had evolved since her previous stint with the team. The Sky, having enhanced their staff and resources, offered comprehensive support for her rehabilitation. With Jess Cohen and a dedicated team, Stevens received expert care without needing to seek external assistance.

Stevens applauded the team’s improvements:

They’re not just winging it. It’s comforting with the new staff. The growth here has been significant.

Despite returning to the court, Stevens remains under a strict limitation on her minutes. This restriction serves as an exercise in efficiency, ensuring she maximizes her performance within her allotted time.

I’m not just going to be out there making mistakes for 40 minutes. You have to focus on the small details and get every minute right.

Though beneficial, the minute restriction is a challenge for both Stevens and coach Tyler Marsh. She’s limited to about 16 minutes per game, affecting strategic decisions. Marsh described the balancing act:

You try to ensure she’s successful in her limited minutes. It’s tough when momentum builds, and you have to take her out.

Both Marsh and Stevens are reassured by understanding that the limitations are temporary. The Sky plan to gradually increase her playtime to full capacity. The focus remains on a gradual return to her prominent role, with Stevens confident about the future.