WNBA: Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx – Report From Section 111

Because they have the Sky’s first round pick in the 2026 draft, where they end up is of great importance. As long as Chicago is in the bottom four, they have a chance to get a highly ranked player. Who that might be remains to be seen, but given the talent coming into next year’s rookie class, Minnesota should have some great choices.

Recap of Chicago – Minnesota Matchup

Even with scoring 91 points, Minnesota did not shoot particularly well. They went 31 – 70 at 44.3%, and held Chicago to 39.3%. The Sky held a slight lead in rebounds, mostly as a result of multiple attempts under the net.

With both Reese and Cardoso fighting for the ball, this is hardly a surprise. The largest thorn for Chicago was a total of 23 turnovers, resulting in 20 Minnesota points. The Lynx only turned the ball over eight times, resulting in just six points. Surprisingly, the Lynx outscored the Sky in the paint 36 – 28.

Chicago, who is down a few players, only used eight in the game, while Minnesota used their entire available roster of ten. Every player who hit the court scored, with Maddy Westbeld leading the bench with nine points and Kia Nurse the starters with 19.

Top Scorers From Chicago and Minnesota

Both Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier scored 19 for Minnesota, with Diamond Miller leading the bench with 8. Miller is looking better than she has for some time, and Maria Kliundikova is becoming a more consistent player, with the ability to rebound in tight situations. She led the team with 4 offensive rebounds, a much needed element for the team. 

Without Ariel Atkins and Michaela Onyenwere, the Sky are missing a pair of good scorers. When they return it should improve Chicago’s chances of playing a more consistent game. Minnesota is going to have to figure out a way to make their statement in the first quarter, rather than playing catchup.

Fortunately in this game, it didn’t take long. Facing teams like New York, Las Vegas, and Indiana will not afford them that luxury. The Sky have the ability to win, but they also have the ability to lose big. Let’s see if the second half of the season is kinder to them. 

What’s Next for Chicago and Minnesota?

Up next for Chicago, they head home to welcome the Seattle Storm on Thursday. The Storm are something of a mercurial team, who most recently lost to the Dallas Wings. Each team will be charged to get the win, so let’s see whose battery gets them there. For the Lynx, they remain home to face the Las Vegas Aces on Friday. The Aces currently sit No. 6 in a crowded mid-section of the league.

Between the Aces, the Indiana Fever, the Washington Mystics and the Golden State Valkyries, the bottom part of the playoff picture is going to be exciting to watch as it unfolds. All four teams can potentially either make the playoffs or not. In fact, nothing is really a lock in the league regardless of the standings. This is a highly competitive season, and no one is going to simply skate into the playoffs. Stay tuned.

And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.