Natasha Howard's Dominant Double-Double Powers Lynx Past Sky 85-75

Natasha Howard posted 26 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Lynx to an 85-75 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday. Minnesota grabbed the lead early in the first quarter and maintained control despite both teams battling significant early-season injuries.

The Minnesota Lynx secured a decisive 85-75 road victory against the Chicago Sky on Saturday night in a hard-fought 2026 WNBA Regular Season matchup. Despite missing franchise centerpiece Napheesa Collier to an ankle injury, the Lynx leaned heavily on veteran forward Natasha Howard to carry the offensive load at Wintrust Arena. Howard delivered a masterpiece in the paint, ensuring Minnesota kept the home team at bay.

The decisive moment

The Lynx wasted little time establishing their dominance in Chicago. With 5:08 remaining in the opening quarter, Minnesota seized a lead that they would ultimately hold for the rest of the game. This early offensive surge put the Sky on their heels and dictated a pace that Chicago struggled to match. By taking control early, the Lynx neutralized the home crowd and forced the Sky into an uphill battle for the remainder of the evening.

By the numbers

Natasha Howard (MIN): 26 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists
Courtney Williams (MIN): 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
Olivia Miles (MIN): 14 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists
Kamilla Cardoso (CHI): 17 points, 7 rebounds

Howard's monster double-double anchored the Minnesota frontcourt and consistently exposed gaps in Chicago's interior defense. She was expertly flanked by the backcourt duo of Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles, who combined for 31 points and 17 boards. Kamilla Cardoso fought valiantly in the paint to pace the Sky with 17 points, but the Lynx's balanced offensive attack proved too much to overcome.

What it means

This matchup highlighted two squads navigating severe early-season adversity with heavily depleted rosters. Chicago took the floor without key playmakers Courtney Vandersloot and DiJonai Carrington, while still reeling from the devastating loss of Rickea Jackson to a season-ending torn ACL just days prior. For Minnesota, securing a comfortable double-digit road win without Collier, Dorka Juhasz, and Emma Cechova showcases their impressive depth and resilience.

What to watch next

The Sky must quickly adjust their offensive schemes and backcourt rotations to compensate for their mounting injury list. Finding consistent scoring outside of Cardoso will be their primary challenge. Meanwhile, Minnesota aims to build on this gritty road performance and maintain their winning momentum as they await Collier's anticipated return to the court in early June.