In a highly anticipated matchup on July 12, 2025, the Chicago Sky emerged victorious, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 87–81 in a thrilling WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. This win marked a crucial turning point for the Sky, who had been struggling earlier in the season. It was their first back-to-back win of the season, improving their record to 7–13. On the other hand, the Lynx, despite their strong 18–4 record, faced their fourth loss of the season and will need to regroup ahead of their next challenge.
Key Performers and Impactful Plays
Ariel Atkins, who has been in stellar form this season, was the standout player for the Chicago Sky. She led the team with 27 points, showcasing her offensive skills and making key contributions in critical moments. Atkins’ performance helped the Sky maintain their composure against the Lynx’s strong lineup and playmaking abilities. Her relentless offense was complemented by Angel Reese, who continued her strong performances by notching her eighth consecutive double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Reese’s presence in the paint was vital for the Sky, particularly when it came to securing second-chance points.
The Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso also shined brightly, making her mark with a career-high 15 rebounds to go along with 17 points. Her dominance in the paint and presence on the boards was a major factor in limiting the Lynx’s chances at making a comeback.
One of the surprises of the game was Rachel Banham, who came off the bench to contribute 12 points, including hitting three pivotal three-pointers. Her timely shooting off the bench proved to be a game-changer, giving the Sky the edge they needed in crucial moments.
Lynx’s Performance Despite the Loss
Despite the defeat, the Minnesota Lynx had some notable performances. Napheesa Collier, the team’s star forward, delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with 26 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals, and three blocks. Collier’s versatility and ability to contribute across all areas of the game kept the Lynx competitive throughout the match. However, it was not enough to overcome the collective effort of the Sky, who executed their game plan effectively.
In addition to Collier, Kayla McBride added 17 points, and Courtney Williams contributed 13 points for the Lynx. While they showed resilience in the game’s final minutes, the Lynx struggled with their shooting efficiency, converting only 34% of their field goals. This inefficiency ultimately prevented them from closing the gap in the dying moments of the game.
Game-Changing Moments and Final Score
The game’s pivotal moment came in the final minutes when Courtney Williams hit crucial free throws to reduce the Lynx’s deficit to just two points, 75–73. With the game hanging in the balance, Kamilla Cardoso stepped up, making two free throws to push the Sky’s lead back to 80–73. Then, Rachel Banham hit another free throw, solidifying the Sky’s lead at 81–73.
Despite a late three-pointer from Collier to bring the Lynx closer, they could not complete the comeback. The Sky held on to win 87–81, showcasing resilience and teamwork that had been lacking earlier in the season.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
The win was a much-needed morale booster for the Chicago Sky, who have struggled in the earlier part of the season. They will be looking to build on this victory as they prepare for their next game against the Lynx, set for July 14, 2025. This back-to-back series will provide the Sky with another opportunity to prove themselves against one of the top teams in the league.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Lynx will need to regroup after this loss. They are still sitting at the top of the league standings, but this defeat serves as a reminder that every game in the WNBA is competitive, and they must work on their shooting efficiency and execution, particularly when facing teams with strong defensive schemes like the Sky.
Conclusion
The Chicago Sky’s 87–81 win over the Minnesota Lynx on July 12, 2025, was a thrilling encounter that showcased individual brilliance and team effort. Ariel Atkins, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso led the charge for the Sky, while Napheesa Collier continued to prove why she’s one of the WNBA’s brightest stars. With their win, the Sky showed they could still compete at the highest level, while the Lynx will need to refine their game before their next encounter.
