Lynx beat Sky 91-68 in first game after All-Star weekend

The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Chicago Sky 91-68 at Target Center on Tuesday, improving their record to 21-4. However, the victory was tempered by concern as guard Natisha Hiedeman suffered a left ankle injury late in the third quarter. Hiedeman collided with Chicago's Maddy Westbeld near midcourt, fell to the floor, and needed assistance from two staff members to leave the court. She returned to the bench in the fourth quarter to watch the conclusion of the game, but her status for the upcoming Friday game against the Las Vegas Aces is unclear.

Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier led the Lynx scoring with 19 points each. Collier also secured a team-high eight rebounds, while Courtney Williams recorded a game-high seven assists. Significantly, all five Lynx starters finished the game scoring in double figures, and every active player on the roster scored for the second consecutive game. McBride highlighted the team's balanced scoring as their "biggest weapon."

Defensively, the Lynx were dominant, forcing a season-high 23 turnovers and recording 14 steals. Coach Cheryl Reeve specifically praised her frontcourt for effectively neutralizing the size of Chicago's Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, stating the team's early commitment and aggressive, disruptive defense set the tone for the game.

The Lynx started the game strongly. Collier blocked three shots within the first three minutes, Bridget Carleton hit two quick three-pointers, and Williams forced a travel violation, celebrating with courtside fans. Although the Sky mounted a brief pushback, the Lynx maintained control throughout, securing their 15th double-digit victory of the season.