The Minnesota Lynx and Chicago Sky battled in a high-stakes midseason matchup on July 22, with both teams eyeing critical wins in the playoff race. The Lynx, backed by a vocal home crowd at the Target Center, leaned on their defensive intensity and timely shooting to gain a narrow edge early and maintain composure when it mattered most.
Napheesa Collier once again proved why she’s among the league’s elite, posting 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists while anchoring the Lynx on both ends. Collier’s presence in the paint disrupted the Sky’s rhythm, and her leadership helped Minnesota weather multiple Chicago runs in the second half. Bridget Carleton added a clutch three in the final two minutes that gave the Lynx just enough breathing room.
The Sky, however, refused to fold. Marina Mabrey led the charge with 19 points, including a pair of deep threes in the fourth quarter that brought Chicago within one possession. Angel Reese continued her impressive rookie campaign, recording another double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing her growing confidence and consistency in the paint.
With under 30 seconds remaining and Minnesota up by three, Chicago had one final chance to force overtime. A drawn-up play found Dana Evans open at the top of the arc, but her shot rimmed out as the final buzzer sounded, sealing the win for the Lynx and sending their bench into celebration.
The win boosts Minnesota’s standing in the Western Conference, while Chicago drops another close contest that could loom large come playoff seeding time. As the regular season tightens, both teams are showing signs of resilience, setting the stage for an intense final stretch.
