The Minnesota Lynx extended their red-hot form with a commanding 91–78 road victory over the Chicago Sky on Monday night, a win that solidified their position atop the WNBA standings at 19–4. Despite the final score, the game was a tale of two halves, with the Sky holding their own until a third-quarter surge by Minnesota flipped the script for good.
Chicago, now 7–14 and sitting 10th in the league, once again relied on the consistent brilliance of rookie Angel Reese, who posted her ninth consecutive double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. However, her effort was not enough to counter Minnesota’s multi-pronged offensive attack and defensive intensity. The Lynx turned up the pressure in the second half, outscoring Chicago 47–32 and forcing a series of critical turnovers that swung the momentum decisively in their favor.
A Back-and-Forth Start Undone by Pressure
The first half saw a competitive and balanced contest, with both teams trading baskets and leads. Rachel Banham chipped in 15 points for the Sky, and Rebecca Allen added 10 off the bench, offering solid contributions behind Reese’s inside dominance. The Sky entered halftime within striking distance and appeared poised to challenge the WNBA’s top seed once again, just days after their impressive 87–81 win over the Lynx.
But that momentum quickly dissolved.
Minnesota’s third-quarter resurgence began with a clutch three-pointer from Bridget Carleton, which gave the Lynx a 47–46 lead—one they would never relinquish. From there, the Lynx ratcheted up their defensive pressure and moved the ball with poise and purpose, punishing the Sky’s turnovers with high-efficiency scoring in transition.
Collier and Williams Shine as Minnesota Pulls Away
MVP candidate Napheesa Collier led the Lynx with 29 points, five assists, and three steals. Her performance was both efficient and relentless—she shot 50% from the field, 4-for-7 from three-point range, and made all 11 of her free-throw attempts. Courtney Williams nearly recorded a triple-double with 18 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals, continuing her strong two-way play.
Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton also made meaningful contributions with 17 and 11 points, respectively, as the Lynx shot 12-of-32 from beyond the arc. The team’s collective defensive effort—14 steals and six blocks—highlighted their identity as more than just a scoring machine. Their ability to generate offense off turnovers was the key differentiator in the second half.
Turnovers and Injuries Undermine Sky’s Effort
The Sky’s unraveling in the second half can largely be attributed to a lack of ball security and composure under pressure. Chicago committed 18 turnovers, which Minnesota converted into 24 points—a brutal swing in a game that was close for more than two quarters. “We didn’t handle the pressure great today,” interim head coach Emre Vatansever admitted postgame.
“They just played a little bit harder than we did.”
The Sky were also dealt a blow when Ariel Atkins, who had scored 27 points in Saturday’s win, exited in the second quarter with a leg injury and did not return. Her absence left Chicago short-handed on the perimeter and contributed to the offensive stagnation that plagued them late in the game.
Bigger Picture: Two Teams on Diverging Paths
Minnesota continues to show why they’re a legitimate championship contender. They’ve now won 19 of their first 23 games and have responded emphatically after losses—this time avenging Saturday’s stumble with a decisive road win despite playing their fourth game in six days. Their ability to adjust mid-series, maintain defensive intensity, and spread scoring across multiple threats bodes well for postseason play.
Chicago, meanwhile, remains a team in transition. While Angel Reese’s historic rookie run and tenacity remain a bright spot, the Sky lack consistency in offensive execution and depth—issues that are magnified against elite opponents. With Atkins’ health uncertain and the team slipping further out of playoff contention, Wednesday’s early matchup against the Atlanta Dream now carries added weight as they look to salvage momentum in front of their home crowd.
Up Next
- Chicago Sky (7–14) will stay home for a Wednesday morning showdown against the Atlanta Dream at 11 a.m. CT.
- Minnesota Lynx (19–4) head to Phoenix to face the Mercury on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese and Courtney Williams will momentarily set aside their competitive fire as they team up at the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis this Saturday—a brief but well-earned break for two of the league’s standout performers.
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