As the WNBA’s assist-per-game leader in every season from 2017 to 2021, there isn’t a defensive puzzle Courtney Vandersloot can’t piece together. Working in-sync with All-Star teammate Candace Parker, the Chicago Sky guard works a dribble handoff into a pick-and-pop, taking two New York Liberty defenders with her before using a behind-the-back dime to set up a score. The dime, part of an eight-point, six-rebound, six-assist performance, helped the Sky on the way to a 83-50 victory on May 11, 2022.

Courtney Vandersloot

Courtney Vandersloot draws defense out of position to set up behind-back kickout

Courtney Vandersloot woke up in a big way following a sluggish start. In her first season with the New York Liberty after 12 years with the Chicago Sky, Vandersloot had just three first-half points as her squad trailed the underdog Los Angeles Sparks by two at the break. The five-time All-Star sprang to life after halftime as she ran the give-and-go with Breanna Stewart, dumping the ball into the corner before cutting to the basket and converting a contested layup. Vandersloot then stole the ensuing inbounds pass and deposited two more quick points, scoring 20 of her 23 points in the second half and 13 in a decisive fourth quarter. She also had seven rebounds, six assists and four 3-pointers as the Liberty rallied for a 76-69 win on August 1, 2023. 

Courtney Vandersloot racks up pair of buckets in six-second span

When the game comes down to a final possession, it always pays to have proven All-Stars with championship pedigree on your side. One of the game's greatest floor generals, Courtney Vandersloot shows that she can put the ball in the net when called on too, steadying herself to drain a game-winning triple to put the Chicago Sky ahead for good. This bucket helped turn a one-point deficit with just seconds remaining into an 88-86 victory over the New York Liberty. Vandersloot was an offensive machine on June 12, 2022, guiding her team with 20 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, two three-pointers, a steal and a block.

Courtney Vandersloot drills game-winning three to sink Liberty

Instant classic performances hit different in the postseason. In the midst of a record-breaking game, Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot baits her defender into a sense of complacency out on the perimeter, then lobs a no-look entry pass into the paint for a Candace Parker bucket. Vandersloot finished Game 1 of their semi-final series against the Connecticut Sun with a triple-double, including a playoff-record 18 assists on September 28, 2021.

Courtney Vandersloot lobs playoff-record 18 assists in 2021 Semi-Finals game

Crafty vets live to deceive. Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot drives her defender into the paint, fakes a pass down to the baseline to get them out of position, then spins around for an easy bucket over the Dallas Wings on July 2, 2021.

Courtney Vandersloot tricks defender with ball fake, pivots to easy bucket

Following 12 years and four All-Star selections with the Chicago Sky, Courtney Vandersloot is right at home with her new squad. Now one season into her tenure with New York Liberty, Vandersloot continued to ingratiate herself with some late-game heroics. Down a pair against the Washington Mystics, Vandersloot ensured an extra session would be necessary, executing a perfectly-timed, fullcourt give-and-go with teammate Kayla Thornton for a game-tying bucket. Vandersloot — an All-Star for the fifth time in her career — had 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the exciting 89-88 overtime win on June 25, 2023.

Courtney Vandersloot forces OT vs. Mystics with fullcourt give-and-go

Few things in life get the pulse pounding quite like a three-point buzzer beater. Showing that good shots come to those who wait, Courtney Vandersloot confronts a double team following an inbounds pass, receives a bailout from a helpful teammate, then slides out behind the arc to calmly drain a high-arching triple to beat the horn. The Chicago Sky veteran contributed across the board against the Minnesota Lynx, posting 18 points, five rebounds, six assists, four three-pointers and a steal in the 88-85 victory on June 26, 2022.

Courtney Vandersloot works give-and-go with Allie Quigley for game-winning three

All-time caliber floor generals see and play the game differently - they impact their franchises differently, too. Making her WNBA debut on June 4, 2011, Courtney Vandersloot navigates the floor in transition, then sets up teammate Epiphanny Prince with the first assist of a decorated career. Vandersloot played 11 seasons with the Chicago Sky, receiving All-Rookie honors in 2011, earning four All-Star nods and helping the organization claim its first WNBA championship in 2021.

Courtney Vandersloot doles out first assist of WNBA career

Courtney Vandersloot has solidified herself as one of the best passers in WNBA history but the Chicago Sky floor general is also an unbelievably crafty scorer. Under the bright lights of the WNBA Finals, Vandersloot loses her defender with a vicious crossover, then drives to the cup to force overtime with just seconds remaining. Vandersloot finished the Game 2 affair with 20 points, 14 dimes and five steals on October 13, 2021.

Courtney Vandersloot forces overtime with game-tying layup in 2021 Finals

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Courtney Vandersloot

Courtney Vandersloot

Courtney Vandersloot

Courtney Vandersloot

Courtney Vandersloot

Courtney Vandersloot

Courtney Vandersloot

Courtney Vandersloot

Courtney Vandersloot