Chicago Sky put in an emphatic performance on Thursday to reach the WNBA Finals for only the second time in the team's history.

The Illinois-based franchise caused a huge upset as they beat No.1 Connecticut Sun 79-69 at the Wintrust Arena.

The victory was made even sweeter thanks to the efforts of Candace Parker, who played a huge role in getting the Sky over the line and into the finals.

Parker, who grew up in Chicago, signed for the WNBA side earlier this year after becoming a free agent from Los Angeles Sparks.

The versatile power forward finished the match with 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. 

Barack Obama posted a heartfelt congratulatory message to the team, celebrating their ticket to the Finals for the first time since 2014.

"It’s always good to be from Chicago, but this year is especially sweet," the former president wrote. "Congratulations to the Chicago Sky for making it to the WNBA Finals, and to the legend, Candace Parker, for making all of us proud. We’ll be rooting for you."

Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but moved to Chicago in 1985 and served as the Illinois state senate from 1997 to 2004. 

This WNBA season is guaranteed a new winner after reigning champions Seattle Storm were eliminated by Phoenix Mercury in in the second round of the play-offs.

Chicago Sky now eagerly await the result of Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury later today. The winner of the match will face the Sky in the WNBA Finals, which get underway Sunday.