Natasha Howard Powers Lynx to 85-75 Road Victory Over Sky

Behind a dominant 26-point, 14-rebound double-double from Howard and clutch fourth-quarter shot-making, Minnesota neutralized a late Chicago rally.

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@minnesotalynx

The Minnesota Lynx continue to demonstrate that even without the presence of All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, they possess the depth and mental toughness to remain genuine championship contenders. Spearheaded by a historic performance from veteran free-agent signing Natasha Howard, the Minneapolis-based franchise secured a gritty 85-75 road victory over the Chicago Sky, locking in their fourth consecutive win while avenging a loss to their Eastern Conference rivals from last weekend.

The contest opened with high-octane offensive sequences, with Minnesota securing a permanent lead late in the first quarter (24-22). The second frame belonged entirely to the visitors, as Howard took over by scoring 14 of her 26 total points in that period alone. The 34-year-old forward displayed incredible efficiency, converting 10-of-12 field goal attempts during a 20-point first half, single-handedly lifting the Lynx (4-2) to a commanding 52-38 cushion at intermission.

The second half tested Minnesota's resolve as Chicago (3-3) engineered a fierce comeback attempt. The Sky found emotional lifts via the season debut of Azurá Stevens—returning from a left knee bone bruise—and rookie center Kamilla Cardoso, who led the home team with 17 points. A 10-0 third-quarter run, followed by a Sydney Taylor perimeter bucket early in the fourth quarter, brought the Sky within striking distance at 70-67.

However, just as the Lynx's 19 turnovers threatened to derail the game plan, veteran guard Kayla McBride stepped up with elite execution. McBride drilled back-to-back clutch three-pointers, instantly halting Chicago's momentum and re-establishing a comfortable 76-67 advantage that the visitors would hold until the final buzzer. Minnesota's starting backcourt provided stellar balance, with Courtney Williams chipping in 17 points and Olivia Miles adding 14.

Howard anchored the evening by putting her name in the history books, finishing with an elite stat line of 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists. With this masterful display, she became just the fourth player in franchise history to record at least 25 points, 10 boards, and 5 assists in a single game.

The Sky, who struggled to replace the offensive production of leading scorer Rickea Jackson after her season-ending knee injury, also saw a 13-point, 6-assist effort from Skylar Diggins in a losing effort. Minnesota will return home to host Atlanta on Wednesday, while Chicago prepares to welcome the expansion Toronto Tempo on the same day.