On Saturday, Angel Reese’s impressive performance helped the Chicago Sky defeat the Minnesota Lynx, handing the Lynx their fourth loss of the WNBA season. The game took place at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, where Reese, showcasing her dominance, posted 19 points and 11 rebounds, marking her eighth consecutive double-double. This standout effort contributed to the Sky’s 87-81 victory, improving their season record to 7-13.
Key Contributors Boost Chicago Sky’s Edge in Rebounding Battle
Alongside Reese’s outstanding performance, Kamilla Cardoso was critical for the Sky, scoring 17 points and securing a career-high 15 rebounds. Their dominance on the boards proved decisive in the close contest against the Lynx. Despite Napheesa Collier’s defensive efforts for Minnesota, the Sky controlled the pace and rebounding, which ultimately swung the result in their favor.
Minnesota Lynx Respond Swiftly by Waiving Recent Draft Pick Alissa Pili
Following the defeat, the Minnesota Lynx made a significant roster change by waiving Alissa Pili, the No. 8 overall pick from last year’s draft. Pili, who averaged 1.9 points and 1.2 rebounds this season, struggled to find consistent impact with the team. Her departure came mere hours after the loss, suggesting the front office is taking a hard look at their roster amid growing pressure.
Before entering the WNBA in 2024, Pili had a standout college career, playing three seasons at USC before transferring to Utah. In her final collegiate season, she posted averages of 21.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, earning Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2023 and All-American honors in 2024.
Despite Loss, Lynx Maintain Top Position in WNBA Standings
Even with Saturday’s setback, the Lynx remain first in the league standings, holding a three-game lead over the Phoenix Mercury. They have avoided consecutive defeats all season and face a rematch against the Chicago Sky on Monday at 8 p.m. ET, where they will aim to maintain that streak and respond to their recent challenges.
Upcoming Rematch Could Define Minnesota Lynx’s Season Trajectory
The imminent rematch between the Lynx and Sky holds significant weight for Minnesota, as ending their losing streak is crucial to preserving their lead in the WNBA. How the Lynx adjust after releasing Pili and whether Angel Reese continues her dominant play will be key storylines to watch going forward. This game could shape the momentum for both teams as the season progresses.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Reese shared in a TikTok video that she injured her hand after falling during a game. She explained that she has a minor bone fracture. The doctors gave her two options: undergo surgery or skip it.
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. Reese finished her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at LSU in March 2024. Her studies included Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology. To graduate, she needed a GPA higher than 2.0.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Basketball is a family tradition for Angel because her parents played the sport in college. Her mom even played professionally in Luxembourg. “She’s always been independent and she molded that into me,” Angel shared with Just Women’s Sports in January 2023.
Q. Did Angel Reese have a 1.1 GPA?
A. In her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, she shared that she struggled during the first half of the 2023/24 season. This led her to take a step back so the team wouldn’t slow down. Additionally, Reese clarified that she “never had a 1.1 GPA,” but didn’t share her actual grades.