Lynx 91, Sky 78: Balanced Attack Leads to Comfortable Win

Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton all score in double figures as Lynx split two games in Chicago.

Game Story

The Minnesota Lynx were right back at Wintrust Arena for their second straight game against the Chicago Sky, losing the matinee meeting on Saturday. Minnesota was in the midst of their odd scheduling stretch where they play Chicago four times in just 16 days. After the loss, the Lynx looked to right the ship after losing two of their last three games as the All-Star Break looms this upcoming weekend.

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Rachel Banham and Angel Reese were working inside out early on, scoring the first 10 points of the game. Chicago started off well, but Minnesota matched their inside out game with threes and layups of their own to keep pace. The Lynx were especially red hot from perimeter in the first quarter, sinking six of them to fuel their slight lead at the end of the frame. Napheesa Collier was a perfect 3 of 3 from the floor, helping her chip in 10 points in the first as Minnesota took a 28-24 lead.

The Sky capitalized on Lynx turnovers to start the second quarter, going on a 13-2 run. After a sluggish start, Minnesota got going with more activity on the offensive glass, earing some extra looks. As the pace picked up, Banham continued on her flurry, continuing to play well against her former team. As the Chicago swelled up to double-digits, the Lynx did not let it get any further with an countering 8-0 run in response. By halftime, Collier and Courtney Williams led Minnesota in scoring at 14 apiece while Reese and Banham had 11 points and 10 points respectively.

Sky held onto a slim 46-44 lead at the half.

Bridget Carleton started off the third quarter with a fun bucket, as she banked in a fadeaway three to start the scoring. The Lynx used active hands and physical defense to create runouts and get easy scoring opportunities. They took advantage of those possessions to regain the lead during the middle of third period.

Despite the aggression from the Lynx, Chicago just would not go away, keeping it close down the stretch. Natisha Hiedeman’s energy plays and back-to-back layups helped power the Lynx as the third waned. With Minnesota leading by two with minimal time left, Collier drilled a pick-and-pop trey, beating the buzzer to close the quarter holding a 68-63 lead.

The Lynx kept their third quarter pressure up in the fourth quarter. Jess Shepherd helped get the offense going with a couple of layups to start the period. This helped give Minnesota a sizable lead which they would never relinquish. The league-leading MVP candidate was doing her thing, getting buckets to grow the advantage.

Even amongst Collier’s brilliance, the real star of the game was the total team defensive activity. They ramped up the pressure in each quarter and put the game away on that side of the ball.

Just like that, Minnesota split the pair of games in Chicago with a 91-78 victory.

Key Takeaways

Balance Across the Board

Despite the lack of bench production in this one, four starters scored in double figures as they helped power the Lynx to 91 points. Collier led the way with 29, Williams scored some tough buckets, McBride drained some triples, and Carleton added a few of her own as well.

It was a balanced attack as Minnesota flexed its chemistry which has taken them to the best record in the league. An unselfish team making unselfish plays. Just a joy to watch.

Defensive Intensity

It felt as though the intensity on the defensive end was dialed up even higher with each passing quarter. Minnesota scored 24 of their points off turnovers and alleviated some of the half court struggles with their ability to attack with numbers. Having a great defense that can produce offense is one of the best ways to work your team into a rhythm and Minnesota has the individual and team defenders to do just that.

The Sky were slowly squeezed on offense as they scored less points in each quarter and only 15 in the final one as the Lynx ran away with it in the fourth quarter.

Not only is this defense good for loosening up the offense, but it also provided energy to the team. When the game was close, Hiedeman snatched the ball from rookie Hailey Van Lith and took it right to the rack. This got the whole squad into it and as momentum started to stack up, so did the runs.

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Up Next

The Lynx finally head back home to take on the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, July 16th at 12:00pm CT in yet another matinee game. This will be the last one before the WNBA All-Star Break.

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Game Highlights