Despite another stellar night by Napheesa Collier, Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins proved too much for Minnesota to handle in their third game in four days.
Game Story
The grind continues. The Minnesota Lynx came to Wintrust Arena for their third straight road game that tipped off before 1:00pm local. They faced a hungry Chicago Sky team, who they had just defeated less than a week ago. It was clear from the jump that the home team had a chip on their shoulder.
It was a NBA 2K26 cover celebration for All-Star Angel Rese, and she definitely made her fans proud. Reese, who is often criticized for her lack of scoring touch, came out of the gates on fire. She posted a stat line of 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in the first quarter alone.
Reese led the scoring parade inside, as Chicago used their size to pummel Minnesota in the paint. Even in the case where they missed, they would often vacuum up offensive rebounds and score on second (or third) chance opportunities (More on this later). By the time the Lynx tried to adjust, WNBA former champ Ariel Atkins and former Lynx Rachel Banham, peppered them with jumpers. Minnesota’s bench was able to score in a few points of their own, but they were bleeding more points on defense than the starters.
The Sky lead swelled up to as much as 14 in the first half.
Early on in the second half, it looked like it was going to be more of the same. However, down 15 with just over 15 minutes left in the game, Kayla McBride hit her stride. She poured in eight straight points en route to a 11-point third quarter, helping her team remain within striking distance.
Cheryl Reeve seemed just about over the rebounding disadvantage, so she unveiled a jumbo lineup of Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith, and Jessica Shepard. This seemed to be the right lever for her to pull, forcing the Chicago defense to pack the paint and open up space outside. They bridged the final two periods with a 13-2 run capped by two Collier scores, slicing the Sky lead all the way down to just two.
I hate to say it, but the officiating really reared it’s ugly head at the worst time. At one point in the fourth, Atkins obviously cleared out McBride while swinging her elbows, but even after review, they deemed the contact “incidental.” A few minutes later, Kamila Cardoso cleared out Smith when trying to retrieve a rebound, but instead the refs called a jump ball. Reeve received a technical to make matters even worse.
This stymied Minnesota’s momentum, but they refused to go away. Down seven with five minutes remaining, McBride responded with a triple. Collier also joined the party with a trey of her own, giving the Lynx another gasp of air. Down three with less than a hundred seconds left, Collier missed a crucial fadeaway before Chicago scored on (you guessed it) a second chance make. Banham floated in a short shot before the buzzer to put her team up five with 42.9 seconds left, acting as a dagger.
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Angel Reese fights through the box out/draws a foul. Creates an extra pivotal possession late agains the Lynx. Rachel Banham hits a big floating shot on the very next play.
This won’t show up in the box score. But this is what winning level grit looks like. And against the best team in the WNBA.
— Daniel Thompson (@dr-thompson.bsky.social) 2025-07-12T19:10:38.410Z
The Lynx certainly need to catch their breath. This was their third game in four nights, and ninth game in 16 days. Their third straight matinee game on the road. Reeve and her players certainly won’t use this as an excuse, but you can absolutely see it in their legs. Perimeter shots are coming up shorts. Their legs aren’t in it when crashing the glass.
They need a break.
Quick Hits
- It was unfortunate that Napheesa Collier broke her streak of 54 straight free throw makes tonight. However, though she initially extended her 0 for 14 drought from perimeter by starting 0 for 2 today, she finally hit one. Even in a rough loss where she didn’t play great, she finished with 26 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.
- Alanna Smith was having a rough night shooting the ball (0 of 6 from deep), but she did log a career-high 6 steals. Most nights, Smith is playing undersized at the five, but her defensive effort never wans.
- It was great to see Kayla McBride get back in a groove, hitting 5 of 12 shots from perimeter. She’s been in quite the shooting funk, shooting 6 of 25 (24%) from beyond the arc before today.
- Ariel Atkins didn’t eclipse her season-high of 29 points, but notched a season-best in field goal makes with 12. It was certainly her most efficient game of her season, finishing 12 of 21 from the field, and it felt like she could do no wrong. Aside from the uncalled technical foul for clearing out McBride in the fourth quarter.
- A lot is made about Angel Reese. It seems like you’re either an avid supporter, or an avid hater. Whatever your stance is, you have to acknowledge how well she has been playing. Today was just another feather in her cap, putting up an efficient line of 19 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a team-best +7 plus-minus.
- Kamila Cardoso was also tough, putting up 17 points and 15 rebounds of her own. Minnesota just could not deal with her effectively and you have to wonder why Masha Kliundikova didn’t get more run.
- New owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez shared their thoughts on the Lynx during their introductory press conference yesterday as well.
Incredible season I mean 18 and 3. Leading MVP-candidate Phee. Last year went to the finals and I think at this point, I think it would be disappointing not to go all the way. Cheryl’s been great and she’s obviously one of the best, probably the best in the W. very fortunate to have her and yeah I mean it’s same strategy that can empower great people to go do their thing and so we’re being supportive where we can when she calls us and you know need to talk to potential free agent or what have you we’re there.
Highlights
Box Score
Up Next
Minnesota will stay in Chiago for the next 48 hours. They’ll get a chance at revenge against the Chicago Sky on Monday, July 14th at 7:00 PM CT. Finally a non-matinee tip for a team that must be tired of these early starts. As for you early starters, don’t fret. They have another 12:00pm CT match against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday.