Wintrust Arena | Chicago Sky
Wintrust Arena | Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky are set to face the Minnesota Lynx for the second time this week at Wintrust Arena on Saturday, July 12. This game will be followed by another matchup against the Lynx on Monday. In their last encounter on Sunday, July 6, the Sky narrowly lost to Minnesota with a score of 75-80.
During Sunday's game, all five starters for Chicago scored in double figures. Rachel Banham led with a season-high of 20 points and six three-pointers. Banham has been a significant threat from beyond the arc, shooting 47.7% from deep over the last three games.
Angel Reese contributed significantly with 16 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists. The Sky outrebounded Minnesota 45-37 and outscored them in the paint, almost securing a win.
Kamilla Cardoso missed the previous game against Minnesota due to her participation in the FIBA AmeriCup but returned for Chicago's victory over Dallas on Wednesday. She added nine points, four rebounds, and four assists off the bench. Cardoso's return strengthens Chicago's presence in the paint as she averages 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Courtney Williams led Minnesota with a season-high of 25 points in their win against Chicago while also passing Vickie Johnson for 24th place on the WNBA’s all-time assists list with a total of 1,206 career assists.
Chicago managed to keep Napheesa Collier below her average scoring rate; she finished with 21 points compared to her usual average of 23.5 points per game. Collier did not record any assists during Sunday's match despite averaging 3.3 assists per game.
A key focus for Chicago was defending against three-point shots by Minnesota—a strategy that proved effective as they limited them to just a 24% success rate from beyond the arc.
The close contest featured multiple runs from both teams; however, Chicago demonstrated efficient offense early by outscoring Minnesota significantly in first-quarter play before being countered by an impressive second-quarter performance from their opponents.
All losses suffered by Minnesota this season have occurred during away games—the latest being Thursday night against Phoenix—which may favor Chicago given their home-court advantage heading into Saturday’s clash.
Chicago's versatility remains an asset as various players can emerge as pivotal contributors each night—highlighted recently when Rebecca Allen came off-the-bench scoring a team-leading performance versus Dallas alongside Michaela Onyenwere’s strong showing earlier versus Minnesota where she posted eleven points along eight rebounds within just her second start this year
Overall if victorious come Saturday expect contributions across-the-board ensuring impactful plays defensively offensively alike toward potential success facing formidable competition ahead
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