The Chicago Sky came out swinging Friday night at Target Center, gut-punching the Minnesota Lynx in what looked like the beginning of a much-needed win for Chicago. But on this night, Minnesota did not wait until the second half of the game to get it together.
They erased a six-point first-quarter deficit, and by the half were up by five. The third quarter was Minnesota’s total domination of the Sky, outscoring them 24-9. However, the Sky opened the fourth quarter on an 11-0 run, cutting a 20-point Minnesota lead to 9. But starting with a pair of free throws by Kayla McBride, the Lynx turned the corner, hit the gas, and didn’t look back, taking the game 83-66.
Chennedy Carter is very much the head of the Chicago beast. Leading the Sky with 17 points, Carter is the engine that drives this machine. Add in Kamilla Cardoso‘s 16 points, and that becomes a formidable start. Unfortunately, the contributions after these two are not consistent. Only Lindsay Allen and Rachel Banham hit double figures with 10 each. Angel Reese‘s presence is sorely missed.
dubs at home.
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 14, 2024
Phee – 20 PTS / 8 REB / 2 BLK
Court – 14 PTS / 10 AST / 3 REB
Lan – 11 PTS / 12 REB / 4 AST pic.twitter.com/9wx7ZJkqka
Led by Napheesa Collier, the Lynx did what the Lynx do; they played team basketball, which doesn’t seem to waiver. As we have seen so often, someone always steps up to pick up the slack. On an off night for McBride and Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith and Courtney Williams hit crucial shots, as did Myisha Hines-Allen, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Natisha Hiedeman off the bench.
Did Chicago simply unravel or run out of gas? Hard to say. What started out as a solid attack eventually turned into a less-than-unified offense. Neither team had excessive turnovers and they both had equal points off of them. Chicago had better success in the paint thanks to Cardoso. Chicago went 12-17 at the line while Minnesota went 9-10.
How The Lynx’s Win Helped Their Playoff Positioning
The win helped solidify Minnesota’s hold on 2nd place, but the loss coupled with Washington’s win dropped the Sky out of the playoffs, for now. Chicago plays Phoenix at home, and then Atlanta and Connecticut on the road, a tough trio of games to try and get back to the playoffs. Minnesota travels to New York and Connecticut and then ends at home against Los Angeles.
Right now, the Sun and the Lynx are jockeying for the No. 2 and No. 3 spot, assuming Las Vegas does not close out their regular season on a winning streak. The highest they can get is the No. 3 spot, but Connecticut would have to fold in their final games, and that is unlikely. Chicago is going to have to play like there is no tomorrow because there isn’t. With only 6 days left to the season, it’s going to be quite a ride.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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