Chicago Sky Defeat Minnesota Lynx 86-79 in WNBA Matchup
The Chicago Sky defeated the Minnesota Lynx 86-79 in a WNBA game in Minneapolis, improving their record to 3-1. Rookie Gabriela Jaquez led Chicago with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Kamilla Cardoso added a double-double. Despite the victory, the Sky suffered a significant setback when top scorer Rickea Jackson left with a knee injury. For the Lynx, Kayla McBride scored 20 points, but the team fell to 2-2 amid ongoing roster challenges, including the absence of Napheesa Collier and rookie Emma Cechova’s season-ending ACL tear.
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Lynx win rematch as Natasha Howard torches Sky in first half
The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Chicago Sky 85-75 in a WNBA rematch at Wintrust Arena. Lynx forward Natasha Howard scored 22 points in the first half alone, missing only two of 12 shots, fueled by pick-and-roll opportunities from point guard Olivia Miles. The Sky, who had won the previous matchup, struggled with physicality and offensive execution, shooting only 31.5% from the field. Sky coach Tyler Marsh cited a lack of ball movement and one-on-one play as issues. Chicago tightened defensively in the second half, holding Howard to four points, but could not overcome the deficit. Rookie Sydney Taylor scored a career-high 11 points for the Sky. The article also notes the return of Sky forward Azurá Stevens from a knee injury (six points, one block in 16 minutes) and that development player Aicha Coulibaly was not activated due to game-limit restrictions.
Chicago Sun-Times - AllNatasha Howard's double-double leads Lynx over Sky
Natasha Howard scored 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, leading the Minnesota Lynx to an 85-75 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday. Howard scored 22 of her points in the first half, including 14 in the second quarter, when the Lynx outscored the Sky 28-16 to take a 52-38 halftime lead. Minnesota held a dominant 54-28 rebounding advantage. Courtney Williams added 17 points, rookie Olivia Miles scored 14, and Kayla McBride had 13 for the Lynx (4-2), who won their second straight game without injured star Napheesa Collier. Kamilla Cardoso led Chicago (3-3) with 17 points, but the Sky shot just 31.5% from the field. Chicago cut the lead to 70-67 in the fourth quarter, but McBride hit back-to-back three-pointers and Howard made two free throws to seal the win. The Sky have lost two straight since losing leading scorer Rickea Jackson to a season-ending knee injury.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseChicago Sky Defeat Minnesota Lynx 86-79 Despite Injury to Rickea Jackson
The Chicago Sky secured an 86-79 road victory against the Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis, rebounding from their first season loss. Gabriela Jaquez led the Sky with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Kamilla Cardoso contributed a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Rachel Banham added 13 points off the bench, helping Chicago improve their record to 3-1. The win came at a significant cost, however, as top scorer Rickea Jackson suffered a left knee injury in the second quarter and did not return after scoring only six points. For the Lynx, who fell to 2-2, Kayla McBride scored 20 points, with Courtney Williams and Natasha Howard each adding 17. The game remained competitive throughout, with Chicago holding a narrow 40-38 lead at halftime thanks to a late three-pointer by Sydney Taylor. An 8-0 run in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a three-pointer from Banham, allowed the Sky to pull away and secure the win despite a late comeback attempt by Minnesota.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseGabriela Jaquez Leads Chicago Sky Past Minnesota Lynx 86-79
The Chicago Sky defeated the Minnesota Lynx 86-79 in a WNBA matchup in Minneapolis, driven by a standout performance from rookie Gabriela Jaquez. Jaquez achieved career highs with 20 points and eight rebounds, playing a crucial role in securing the victory for the Sky, who improved their record to 3-1. Kamilla Cardoso contributed a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Rachel Banham added 13 points. The Sky established a lead at halftime and maintained control through a strong third-quarter run. For the Lynx, who fell to 2-2, Kayla McBride led scoring with 20 points. Natasha Howard and Courtney Williams each added 17 points, and rookie Olivia Miles contributed 13 points and four steals. The game was marred by injuries; Chicago’s Rickea Jackson left with a non-contact injury in the second quarter and did not return, while star player Skylar Diggins sat out due to an eye issue. Additionally, the Lynx were without Emma Cechova, who is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury. The Sky will next host Dallas for their home opener, while the Lynx are scheduled to play Toronto.
yahoo sportsWNBA Preview: Sky vs. Lynx Betting Picks and Odds Analysis
This article provides expert predictions and betting odds for the upcoming WNBA matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Minnesota Lynx, scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at Target Center in Minneapolis. The primary recommendation focuses on Minnesota forward Natasha Howard, who is experiencing a strong resurgence. Analysts suggest betting on Howard to exceed 7.5 rebounds, citing the Sky's league-low rebound percentage and the absence of key Lynx players like Napheesa Collier. Howard is also projected to score over 14.5 points due to her high usage rate. The game is expected to be a physical, low-scoring affair, leading to a recommendation for the under 169 points. Additionally, the analysis predicts Kamilla Cardoso of the Sky will score the first basket, leveraging her height advantage and recent trend of attempting the opening shot. The piece includes current spread and moneyline odds, noting that Minnesota has been an underdog in all three games this season while remaining undefeated against the spread.
Covers.com: general News and StoriesLynx Ignore Doubters Ahead of Matchup Against Sky
The Minnesota Lynx are preparing to face the Chicago Sky in Minneapolis, aiming for their third consecutive victory despite offseason roster changes and recent injuries. Guard Courtney Williams emphasized the team's resilience against critics who doubted them after losing key players to free agency and the expansion draft. The Lynx, currently holding a 2-1 record, have rebounded from a narrow season-opening loss with back-to-back road wins, driven by improved defensive performance under coach Cheryl Reeve. Rookie guard Olivia Miles has emerged as the team's leading scorer, averaging 16.3 points. However, the team recently suffered a setback with rookie Emma Cechova tearing her ACL. The opposing Chicago Sky also hold a 2-1 record, led by Rickea Jackson, who averages 22 points per game. While Jackson has been instrumental in Chicago's early success, guard Skylar Diggins' status remains uncertain due to a facial injury. This matchup marks the Lynx's first home game since the season opener, presenting an opportunity to solidify their standing early in the 2026 WNBA season.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseHoward Leads Minnesota Lynx Against Chicago Sky After 26-Point Performance
The Minnesota Lynx are set to host the Chicago Sky in an upcoming WNBA matchup in Minneapolis, scheduled for Sunday at 7 p.m. EDT. Both teams enter the game with identical 2-1 records, though the Lynx hold a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference. The preview highlights Natasha Howard's recent performance, where she scored 26 points in Minnesota's 90-86 victory over the Dallas Wings. Historically, the Lynx have demonstrated strong home-court advantage, finishing last season with a 20-2 home record and allowing only 76.7 points per game. In contrast, the Sky struggled on the road last year with a 4-18 record and averaged 15.5 turnovers per game. Key injury updates impact both rosters: the Lynx will be without Napheesa Collier (ankle) and Dorka Juhasz (foot), while the Sky are missing DiJonai Carrington (foot). This article serves as a pre-game analysis, providing statistical context and roster availability to inform viewers ahead of the contest.
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