Angel Reese & The Sky Almost Took Down the Lynx. Then Minnesota Hit Block Party Mode.

Reese snapped, Banham cooked, and the refs were the villain again.

The Chicago Sky walked into Target Center like they had something to prove. The best part about it was for 12 solid minutes, they looked like the better team. Up 14, raining threes, pulling down rebounds like it was a clearance rack.

It felt like they were about to finally knock off the league-leading Lynx.

Until (Ray William Johnson voice)…

Minnesota decided it doesn’t do moral victories and went off. The Lynx remembered that they do home wins, 11 straight now, the best start in franchise history. They don’t fold, they don’t panic, and they sure as hell don’t let visiting teams steal a game in their building.

The Lynx ended up victorious over the Sky winning the contest 80-75.

This game had everything one could ask for, threes, crossovers, comebacks, quote-worthy drama, and one hell of a fourth quarter.

SO CLOSE, YET STILL BLOCKED

The Sky had life.

They led by 14 in the first. They went on multiple runs. They pulled down a season-high 45 rebounds, grabbed 14 offensive boards, and got 11 second-chance points out of it. But Minnesota’s defense? 10 blocks, including 3 in the second quarter and 4 more in the fourth.

The Lynx didn’t just protect the paint — they trespassed it.

Angel Reese continued playing like a generational superstar.

16 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, and another game where she played quarterback, linebacker, and post. Reese extended her league-record streak to five straight games with 15+ rebounds, and oh yeah, she dropped quotes like confetti.

 

“We’ve had injuries, different rotations, different starting lineups… everybody’s stepped up. Our team’s been so resilient” said Reese.

Courtney Williams, a freshly named All-Star tied her season-high with 25 points, and threw in 8 rebounds and 6 assists for good measure. Williams passed Vickie Johnson for 24th on the WNBA’s all-time assist list, and controlled the game from the midrange like a surgeon with beef.

Napheesa Collier? Once again an MVP clockwork night.

21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 7-for-7 from the line.

Phee’s now made 45 straight free throws, a new Lynx single-season record, and has Minnesota’s most efficient swagger since Maya.

Diamond Miller popped off the bench with 10, and Kayla McBride iced the clock with a late floater. Everyone in a Lynx jersey showed up when it mattered.

Even the refs showed up. Unfortunately.

Angel Did Her Job. The Ref’s Whistle Didn’t.

If you think Angel’s quietly letting officiating slide, think again.

After another game where she lived in the paint but didn’t get the whistle, she kept it all the way real.

“I don’t give a damn if I get fined…That st gotta get fixed. I’ve been nice, I’ve been humble. But that st gotta get fixed.”

She also said a ref told her, “It’s not her job.” when she asked for a foul call.

Not her job? Angel’s out here getting hacked like a Google doc in group project season.

The refs treating Sky drives like they’re optional viewing.

And yet… Reese still finds a way to dominate.

RACHEL BANHAM DIDN’T COME TO VISIT — SHE CAME TO TORCH HER HOMETOWN

If this was a revenge game for Banham’s entire Minnesota childhood, mission accomplished.

She dropped a season-high 20 points, hit six threes, and looked like she was trying to get a building named after her. She went 4-for-4 from deep in the first half, and kept Chicago in it late with five clutch points in the fourth quarter.

Banham had the green light, the neon light, and the GOAT light.

“I’m just really lucky to be a part of this team…they build me up all the time…I’m having a whole lot of fun with my teammates” said Rachel Banham.

THE SKY AREN’T FAR OFF. THEY JUST NEED A DAMN BREAK.

All five Sky starters scored in double figures.

Michaela Onyenwere went for 11 points and 8 rebounds while playing in her second start. Elizabeth Williams added in a solid 12 points and 7 rebounds as well. Alos, Ariel Atkins continued her steady ways contributing with another night where she filled out the stat sheet finishing with 11 points, 6 assists, 5 boards, and 4 steals.

 

“We really trust each other…we know we can beat anyone on any night” said Banham.

They outscored Minnesota in the first and fourth. They had them on the ropes. But when it came to closing possessions? The Lynx just made more plays.

 

“Those possessions are crucial…we have to do a better job closing those outs” said Tyler Marsh. 

This wasn’t a loss to hang your head over. This was a top three team throwing everything at Chicago, and they still had a shot in the last 10 seconds.

 

“We’re gradually taking steps forward that we can be proud of” said Reese.

That’s progress. That’s poise. That’s close.

The Sky are still fighting and Angel Reese is still breaking every WNBA record in the book while dragging half the league inside the paint with her.

Once the whistle starts working?

Watch out.