Gabriela Jaquez Shines with 20 Points in Chicago Sky's 86-79 Win Over Lynx

The Mexican-American rookie set career highs in points and rebounds to lead Chicago in a hard-fought win, as the team’s youth stepped up amid a string of injuries.

Photo: Amanda Loman/The Associated Press

The Chicago Sky improved their season record to 3-1 by defeating the Minnesota Lynx 86-79 on Sunday night, in a game where youthful resilience carried the home team. The standout performer was Mexican-American rookie Gabriela Jaquez, who posted career highs of 20 points and 8 rebounds, taking charge during the game's most critical moments.

The first half was a closely contested battle. Just before heading to the locker room, Sydney Taylor drained a spectacular buzzer-beating three-pointer to give Chicago a 40-38 lead, an advantage they would hold for the remainder of the game. To open the third quarter, the Sky mounted a quick 12-4 run, capped by two free throws from Jaquez that extended the lead to 10 points. Inside the paint, Kamilla Cardoso was a force, contributing a valuable double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Rachel Banham (13 points), Natasha Cloud (11 points, 7 assists), and Jacy Sheldon (10 points) rounded out Chicago's scoring.

The Minnesota Lynx (2-2) fought hard until the end. Led by Kayla McBride’s 20 points and a solid all-around game from Natasha Howard (17 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists), the visitors made a late push in the fourth quarter. A three-pointer by Courtney Williams (17 points) followed by a Howard layup cut the Sky’s lead to just four points with 1:44 remaining. However, 35 seconds later, Gabriela Jaquez showed her poise, sinking a clutch three-pointer to make it 83-76 and effectively seal the game. Lynx rookie Olivia Miles (the 2nd overall draft pick) also showed flashes of her potential, adding 13 points and 4 steals.

The Sky’s victory is even more impressive considering their current injury woes. Chicago played without Skylar Diggins (eye injury) and Emma Cechova, who missed her first game after suffering a season-ending ACL tear on Thursday against Dallas. To make matters worse, midway through the second quarter, Rickea Jackson went down with a non-contact injury and did not return to the game, raising further concerns for the home bench.