Chicago Sky's Third-Quarter Collapse Costs Them Against League-Leading Lynx

Minnesota Lynx vs Chicago Sky July 14. Photo Courtesy of the WNBA

After beating the best team in the league on Saturday, the Chicago Sky have returned to their regularly scheduled programming. 

The Sky fell apart after half, losing to the Minnesota Lynx 91-78. In the first quarter, the Sky seemed primed to pull off another upset. With a scorching start from beyond the arc, the team attempted as many three-pointers as they typically shoot in an entire game. They connected on four of eight attempts early, though they cooled off considerably and finished just 7-for-16 from deep.

Even after their three-point shooting tapered off, Chicago found alternative ways to score. Much of their success came through crisp post-to-post ball movement, with the bigs finding each other and capitalizing on opportunities. Center Elizabeth Williams provided a spark off the bench, contributing seven points and three assists.

Heading into halftime, the Sky trailed by just two points after outscoring the Lynx 20-10 in the paint. The second half told a completely different story. The third quarter proved disastrous for Chicago's momentum, with only one player keeping them afloat: forward Angel Reese. She finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists, playing efficiently on both ends of the floor.

Throughout the second half, Reese was the lone bright spot, keeping the Sky competitive. But her efforts weren't enough to contain Napheesa Collier, who torched Chicago for 29 points, five assists, and three steals. Collier was particularly lethal from the free-throw line, going a perfect 11-for-11.

"I think we defensively needed to step up. They're going to maximize off our turnovers," Reese said. "For me, five turnovers is unacceptable. They're the No. 1 team for a reason, and they came out and played like it tonight."

Guard Rachel Banham, who finished the night with 15 points and two assists, also shouldered responsibility for the loss. Notably, she recently began manning the point guard position for the first time. 

Despite the loss, the Sky found a silver lining in their ability to compete with the league's top team.

"I feel like it gives us a lot of confidence. They didn't run any special sets," Reese said. "It was the fact of turnovers, not boxing out, not fouling, getting back on defense."

Even in defeat, Angel Reese made it clear that the team recognizes its potential regardless of their record.

"We know we can beat the best," Reese said. "It wasn't a fluke the other night."

The Sky will have another opportunity to prove they're legitimate contenders when they face the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday.