The Latest Breaking News from Candace Parker

Game 1 in the best-of-three first-round series between the No. 1 Aces and No. 8 Sky tips off at 9 p.m. Wednesday. This Sky team will be lucky to force a Game 3.

Former coach/GM James Wade’s hurried attempt to stop the bleeding in the wake of the departures of Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley not only failed to prevent a rebuild, but it also poses a realistic hindrance to the Sky’s future success.

“You’re going to go through little phases where you’re not playing your best basketball, but you can’t attach your self-worth to it,” Mabrey said.

“Every person wants to play in their hometown, whether it’s playing there for college, whatever it is.” said Loyd, who played high school ball at Niles West. “There’s always a different feel. . . . At the same time, I’ve only known the Seattle Storm my whole [WNBA career].’’

“I’m focused on progress,” interim coach/general manager Emre Vatansever said. “Of course, we need to make the playoffs. Somehow we need to win a game and make the playoffs.”

“Adversity is a real thing, but to not put your head down or quit says a lot,” Copper said.

“It’s official! This is for the home team — literally. I know the home team will make you feel some type of Wade.”

“Everything is just moving on, and everything is going well,’’ interim coach/GM Emre Vatansever said. ‘‘I think it’s just a game that we lost. We didn’t do the things that we should do.”

The Liberty guard will grace the cover of this year’s WNBA edition of the video game series.