As Saturday rolled in, the Minnesota Lynx had only three losses to their name. However, that number quickly changed as they fell to the Chicago Sky with a final score of 87-81. This defeat was notable, considering the Lynx had entered the day with a solid record.
Chicago’s Angel Reese and Kamila Cardoso each put up impressive numbers, with Reese achieving a double-double by scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds—marking her eighth consecutive double-double and 14th of the season. Cardoso, on the other hand, recorded a career-high with 15 rebounds and added 17 points to the scoreboard.
Additionally, Rachel Banham contributed to the Sky’s success by sinking three three-pointers and finishing with 12 points overall. At one crucial moment, Courtney Williams made two free throws that narrowed Minnesota’s gap to 75-73, but Cardoso responded with a free throw of her own, all while Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve found herself hit with a technical foul.
Banham later added a free throw, and Michaela Onyen hit a pull-up jumper, which pushed the Sky to an 80-73 lead with five minutes left in the game. Although Collier managed a three-pointer that brought it to 82-79 with under three minutes remaining, Atkins quickly answered back with a jumper, ensuring the Lynx wouldn’t close the gap.
The Sky had come into the game with a dismal 1-10 record against teams exceeding .500 this season, making their victory over Minnesota a significant achievement. This win marked the second consecutive victory for Chicago.
Napheesa Collier stood out for the Lynx, scoring 26 points and contributing eight rebounds, five assists, and a trio of steals and blocks. Kayla McBride added 17 points to the team’s effort, while Williams chipped in with 13.
Interestingly, Collier broke a franchise record by missing a couple of free throws late in the third quarter, ending an impressive streak of 54 consecutive makes.
This defeat marks the Lynx’s first instance of losing two out of three games this season. Fortunately for them, they won’t have to wait long for a rematch, as the Lynx are set to face off against the Sky again on Monday.
