Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Sky faced a narrow defeat against the Minnesota Lynx, losing 75-80 at Target Center on July 6. The Sky maintained competitiveness throughout but fell to a season record of 5-12.

Rachel Banham, playing in her home state, led the Sky with a season-high performance of 20 points and six three-pointers. Angel Reese continued her impressive streak by securing her fifth consecutive game with 15 or more rebounds, recording 16 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists.

Chicago began the game strongly, limiting the Lynx to just ten points in the first quarter and outscoring them 24-10. This strong start was attributed to increased defensive pressure from the Sky.

The second quarter saw an exchange of three-pointers between Banham and Minnesota's Diamond Miller. The Lynx reduced Chicago's lead with a 12-3 run before Banham responded with two consecutive three-pointers. Despite this effort, Chicago entered halftime trailing by one point at 37-38.

In the second half, Chicago briefly regained the lead thanks to another three-pointer from Banham. However, Minnesota countered with an eight-point run. Ariel Atkins kept Chicago close with a half-court buzzer-beater that narrowed the score to 52-56 going into the final quarter.

Late-game efforts by Kayla McBride for Minnesota widened their lead again, but quick responses from Reese and another three-pointer from Banham brought Chicago within two points in the closing seconds. Ultimately, Minnesota secured victory as they effectively countered each of Chicago’s attempts.

All five starters for Chicago scored in double figures: Banham had 20 points; Reese contributed 16; Elizabeth Williams scored 12; while Atkins and Michaela Onyenwere each added 11 points.

Rachel Banham reflected on their recent performances: “We could be anybody and we know that. We’ve had some struggle games in the beginning, but these last few games, I think we’ve really found ourselves. We found our identity and I just think we’re just playing so well off of each other and everyone is having their big moments... We really trust each other... But we can [beat anybody]. I think these last few games have showed that.”