The Minnesota Lynx looked unusually ordinary for a team with title aspirations. In a game that stunned many, the Chicago Sky delivered an 87–81 upset, handing Minnesota its first road loss in recent memory. Wintrust Arena was electric, with the crowd feeding off a Sky team that finally showed what it’s capable of when everything clicks. This was a statement. For Chicago, it marked a turning point. For Minnesota, it was a reality check. Once seen as nearly untouchable at the top, Cheryl Reeve’s Lynx suddenly looked vulnerable.

It was the youth of the Sky that primarily troubled the Lynx. The youth and energy of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso put up double-doubles to completely out-muscle the Lynx in the paint. The outside was no respite as well, with Ariel Atkins in full flow along with Rachel Benham. The intensity of the Sky was just at another level, something the Lynx couldn’t cope with. Coach Cheryl Reeve had some harsh words for her squad and singled out their lack of effort after the game.

Cheryl Reeve told the media, “They had a will to win. They came out to compete in a basketball game. I don’t know if you’ve talked to the players yet, but I’m not sure that if you ask them the same thing, they would be able to say the same. So, we cannot show up. Cannot come out ready to keep them ready to compete. It just can’t happen. It’s disappointing that it did that you just show up for a game, not understand how hard it is to win possessions in this league. So, we didn’t bring it in the first half.”

The first half was a complete blowout. The Chicago Sky came out like they were the team at the top of the standings. Angel Reese took the game in her own hands, scoring 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in the first quarter itself, and was on the ‘early triple-double watch’because of those numbers. Facing MVP favorite Napheesa Collier, she treated her like ‘little sister’ according to some of the fans. Lynx did not have a clear-cut plan against the ChiTown Barbie. Collier and Co. were still waking up from their slumber when the Sky were up by 6. While Collier did finish with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, she at times struggled to contain Reese in that first half.

After feeling that the referees denied her a win against Minnesota last week, Reese came into this game determined to respond, and she did just that. The Sky were up by 13 points at the half, and it looked like their fuel had run out, the cracks were becoming obvious, and there seemed no way back. 

But Minnesota showed its championship mettle and staged a comeback in the third quarter, winning 23-16. Lynx were always pushing in the fourth quarter, but Sky let go of the ghosts of their past and held on to the lead this time. The Sky had one strategy: crash the boards as hard as possible, and they did not let Lynx sniff of any advantage as the area around the rim seemed to be reserved for Chicago. Reeve further underscored that their ability to get balls off the glass was hampered by the lack of effort. 

Cheryl Reeve said, “There are effort areas. Rebounding is an effort area. Get your kick by 17. So, my math is correct. Okay. And 28 second-chance points. That’s hard to do. That’s really hard to do. I’d be surprised if that’s not historic in some way. It’s really hard to do. That’s an effort area. Um and and we did nothing to sort of impose our will. Uh, really at either end really at either end.”

Yes, Reeve, that is the highest number of second-chance points any team has recorded this season. The Sky matched their own record, set earlier in a 97 to 86 win over the Sparks. But effort does not happen in isolation, and Minnesota’s brutal schedule played a role. This was their third game in four nights, their ninth in sixteen days, and their third consecutive early afternoon road game. 

Cheryl Reeve and her players are not using fatigue as an excuse, but it is impossible to ignore its impact. Perimeter shots are coming up short. Their energy on the glass is fading. The legs simply are not there. Now this schedule will continue to test them as they have a rematch against Sky after just a day’s rest, so Reeve will have to find a way to win despite the schedule. Both teams have identical heights, but Cardoso’s 6’7 along with Reese’s ability to just dominate even against taller players gives them the edge. 

Lynx Make Roster Move After Shock Loss

This was a surprise loss for the Lynx in more ways than one. Not only were they outplayed, they were dominated on the boards 45 to 28, a staggering margin in one of the most critical areas of the game. That is not just a loss. It is a physical beatdown. In the aftermath, the Lynx made a corresponding roster move, waiving a top-ten pick from the 2024 WNBA Draft. It is a decision that could quietly echo as Angel Reese’s revenge, depending on how you frame it.

The Minnesota Lynx have waived second-year forward Alissa Pili, who was selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. But there is a twist to that selection that ties directly to Angel Reese. The Lynx had traded away the seventh pick in that same draft, a move that allowed the Chicago Sky to select Reese.

Fast forward to now, and that decision is stinging more than ever. Reese dominated Minnesota in this matchup, handing them just their 4th loss of the season with a performance that was both physical and commanding. It is one of those “what if” moments for the Lynx. Reese in a Minnesota jersey is an alternate timeline that now feels like a missed opportunity. Pili’s release only sharpens that sense of regret.

In her two seasons with Minnesota, Alissa Pili struggled to find a consistent role. She never cracked the starting lineup, appearing in 36 games and averaging 2.2 points on 43.3 percent shooting, along with 1.2 rebounds in just 6.1 minutes per game. This season, the 5-foot-11 forward saw limited action again, appearing in 14 games. 

She averaged 1.9 points on 45.5 percent shooting and 1.2 rebounds in 5.5 minutes per game. Despite flashes of efficiency, Pili was never able to carve out a meaningful spot in the Lynx rotation. Presumably, Minnesota will sign another player to their 12th roster spot in place of Pili, but who that will be has yet to be announced.

Whoever that might be, it will be to solve their rebounding woes, which were glaring in the game against Sky, and the fact that they don’t have an out-and-out player who regularly crashes the glass. Collier is their best rebounder, and she is their best scorer, too. A new player will also bring some fresh energy with their tight schedule.