By Maya Aflakpi
September 1st, 2024
Game Day Vibes: Lynx vs. Sky at the Target Center
The Target Center was the place to be today at 2 p.m. as the Minnesota Lynx went head-to-head against the Chicago Sky in a game that was anything but dull. ’m talking about the kind of matchup that has you saying “how did they do that?” and let me tell you, the energy in the building was absolutely electric.
Before the game even began, there was a sweet moment of nostalgia as Napheesa Collier shared a heartfelt hug and a few words with her former teammate, Chicago Sky’s Rachel Banham. Banham, a University of Minnesota legend, set many records and was an invaluable player for the Lynx for four years before joining a new team this season. It was clear that Collier and Banham’s bond went beyond the court—a little pre-game love that reminded us why we adore this sport.
From the tip-off, the Lynx were on fire, with Dorka Juhász and Courtney Williams working their magic, igniting the crowd with an early lead that had everyone on their feet. But the Sky weren’t about to let the Lynx have all the fun. They slowly started to muscle their way back into the game, using their height advantage to dominate the paint and keep things interesting. Their bigs were crashing the boards, making it tough for the Lynx to maintain control.
In the end, it was a game full of high-energy plays and edge-of-your-seat moments. The Lynx’s hot start and Williams’ standout performance were key, but the Sky’s gritty comeback kept the game tight. Fans left the arena buzzing about the game, already hyped for the next round of this thrilling matchup.
Courtney Williams Shines as the Lynx Dominate!
Courtney Williams was an absolute force for Minnesota, truly leading the Lynx to a hard-fought win. She was unstoppable, especially in the second half, matching her season-high with 22 points on a scorching 11-of-16 shooting. Add in her three rebounds, six assists, and two steals, and you’ve got a performance that’s nothing short of spectacular. She did all this in just under 28 minutes—talk about efficiency!Whenever Williams brings this level of heat, the Lynx are almost unbeatable—she’s 8-6 in her career in these games, and the Lynx are 2-0 this season when she’s on fire. Williams wasn’t just scoring, though—she was scoring efficiently.
Courtney Williams was the MVP of the day, not just for her scoring but also her passing skills. She dished out the most assists, making those jaw-dropping connections that kept the Lynx’s offense clicking. Her court vision was on another level, and she made it look easy. There was even a moment when head coach Cheryl Reeve dapped up Williams, highlighting their strong connection.
Kayla McBride Climbs the Three-Point Ladder
Kayla McBride was also cooking, dropping 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting. She didn’t stop there, grabbing two rebounds and three assists in just under 36 minutes. This marks the 15th time this season (158th career) that McBride has scored 15+ points—when she’s on, the Lynx are tough to beat.
But the highlight of McBride’s night? That three-pointer in the first quarter that propelled her past Tamika Catchings for ninth place in WNBA history for threes made. She now sits at an incredible 608 made threes—one of the best to ever do it!
Napheesa Collier’s All-Around Dominance
Napheesa Collier was everywhere on the court, doing a little bit of everything with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. This marks her fifth game this season with at least 15 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks—a feat only matched by WNBA superstars A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. Collier’s all-around brilliance in the game of basketball has been key for the Lynx; they’re 4-1 in such games this season.
Collier also made history, moving into second place in franchise history for blocks, surpassing the legendary Maya Moore with her 177th career block. She’s writing her own legacy with every game!
Team Chemistry on Point
Tonight’s win was a true team effort, a sentiment echoed by every player in the press conference, who emphasized their trust in one another. The Lynx finished with 20+ assists and 10+ steals while committing 10 or fewer turnovers for the third time this season (and 15th time ever). This kind of ball movement and defensive tenacity has been a hallmark of their game, making them one of the top-ranked teams in the WNBA in these kinds of performances. Alongside the Las Vegas Aces, they’re the only franchise to have achieved this level of greatness 15+ times.
Chicago’s Angel Reese Stands Tall
Despite Chicago Sky’s loss, Angel Reese was one of the standouts, putting up 17 points and 19 rebounds. She continues to prove herself as a true contender for Rookie of the Year, breaking the record for most rebounds in a single season, now totaling 418. Reese broke Sylvia Fowles’ previous record of 404 rebounds set in 2018. She also added three assists and two steals in nearly 39 minutes on the court. Although she was a dominant force, tonight belonged to the Lynx.
The Lynx will begin a three-game road trip this Friday, September 6, when they take on the Indiana Fever at 6:30 p.m.
Photo credit: Lynx forward Napheesa Collier drives against Sky forward Angel Reese during the second half Sunday at Target Center. (Ayrton Breckenridge/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
