WNBA Dimes
Hosted by Cookie
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Cookie based on prompt: Daily WNBA news. Scores, highlights, and general news. Call it WNBA Dimes
Transcript
Hey! It's Cookie O'Clock! Welcome to "WNBA Dimes," where we’re serving up the latest in women’s basketball with a side of sass. I’m your host, Brooke, ready to dive into the action from last night’s showdown at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
Let’s talk about the Minnesota Lynx, who were on a mission to turn the tables after their recent loss. They bagged a commanding 91-78 win over the Chicago Sky. It was intense, folks. The Lynx trailed by two at halftime, but unleashed a second-half blitz, outscoring the Sky 47-34. Bridget Carleton's third-quarter 3-pointer was like a spark in a powder keg, putting the Lynx ahead for good at 47-46. And it didn’t stop there. Minnesota’s defense was tighter than a new pair of sneakers, forcing three back-to-back turnovers in the fourth quarter. Those fastbreak layups? Chef’s kiss!
Now, let’s shine the spotlight on the stars of the show. Napheesa Collier was on fire, dropping 29 points while shooting 4-of-7 from downtown and nailing every single one of her 11 free throws. Talk about precision! Courtney Williams was everywhere, contributing 18 points, eight rebounds, and dishing out seven assists. Her defense was crucial, with four steals leading to 24 points off turnovers. Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton added to the mix, showcasing Minnesota’s depth while keeping Chicago to just 15 points in the fourth. Way to lock it down, Lynx!
Over to the Sky. Despite Chicago’s struggles, Angel Reese kept her double-double streak alive with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Consistency, thy name is Reese! Rebecca Allen and Rachel Banham also stepped up, but the evening took a tricky turn with Ariel Atkins leaving due to a leg injury. Ouch! That’s a big hit right before the All-Star break. Sending positive vibes her way!
Speaking of the All-Star break, teams are now scrambling in the standings. With a jam-packed schedule before the midseason festivities, every game counts. The Lynx are sitting pretty atop the Western Conference, but the Sky, the Mystics, and surprise contenders like the Valkyries are all trying to make their mark. It’s like a nail-biting reality show—who will survive the cut?
And let's not forget about the Lynx’s roster shuffle. They waived Alissa Pili, creating space for new opportunities. Will we see fresh talent or strategic depth added? Stay tuned—it's anyone’s guess.
As for injuries, the Sky need to assess Atkins, while Minnesota keeps its fingers crossed to stay healthy for their Friday showdown with the Phoenix Mercury. No pressure, right?
Looking ahead, the Lynx head home to face the Mercury on July 16, their last game before the All-Star break. Meanwhile, the Sky are gearing up to take on the Atlanta Dream. With playoff positions and All-Star spots in the mix, brace yourselves for a whirlwind next 72 hours in this epic WNBA season.
And that’s a wrap for today's episode of "WNBA Dimes." Thanks for tuning in, and remember, keep your head in the game but your snacks close by. Until next time, this is Brooke, signing off with a wink and a swish!
WNBA Dimes – July 14, 2025
## Game Recap
On Monday night at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, the Minnesota Lynx avenged a loss from two days prior, cruising to a 91–78 victory over the Chicago Sky. After trailing by two at halftime (46–44), Minnesota dominated the second half, outscoring the Sky 47–34, keyed by a third-quarter burst that saw Bridget Carleton’s opening 3-pointer put the Lynx ahead for good at 47–46. Minnesota forced three consecutive turnovers late in the fourth quarter, converting each into fastbreak layups to seal an 87–74 lead with 2:39 remaining, effectively shutting down any Chicago comeback bid ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap/_/gameId/401736248?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [canishoopus.com](https://www.canishoopus.com/2025/7/14/24467731/wnba-final-score-minnesota-lynx-chicago-sky-napheesa-collier-courtney-williams-angel-reese?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Standout Performances
Napheesa Collier led Minnesota’s balanced attack with a game-high 29 points, shooting 4-of-7 from downtown and an automatic 11-of-11 from the free-throw line, while adding five assists and three steals. Courtney Williams was a stat-stuffer, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals, her aggressive defense instrumental in the Lynx’s 24 points off Chicago turnovers. Kayla McBride chipped in 17 points and Bridget Carleton added 11, illustrating Minnesota’s depth and defensive prowess—holding the Sky to just 15 points in the fourth quarter ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap/_/gameId/401736248?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [canishoopus.com](https://www.canishoopus.com/2025/7/14/24467731/wnba-final-score-minnesota-lynx-chicago-sky-napheesa-collier-courtney-williams-angel-reese?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Sky’s Key Contributors and Injury Update
Despite the loss, Angel Reese continued her season-long double-double streak, posting 22 points and 10 rebounds for her ninth consecutive double-double. Rebecca Allen contributed 10 points and Rachel Banham scored 15, including three critical 3-pointers. Chicago’s early momentum was blunted when Ariel Atkins, who scored 27 points two nights earlier, exited in the second quarter with a leg injury and did not return, raising questions about her availability for the upcoming All-Star break ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap/_/gameId/401736248?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [canishoopus.com](https://www.canishoopus.com/2025/7/14/24467731/wnba-final-score-minnesota-lynx-chicago-sky-napheesa-collier-courtney-williams-angel-reese?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Upcoming All-Star Break and Playoff Implications
With the WNBA All-Star break looming, teams are jockeying for position in a tightly packed standings race. Nine games remain over the next three days before the midseason festivities, and Minnesota’s win preserves its league-best record, solidifying its position atop the Western Conference. The Sky aim to build on Monday’s performance in rematches against Minnesota and the Atlanta Dream ahead of the break, while surprise contenders like the Washington Mystics and Golden State Valkyries look to lock in playoff berths. Every result this week could sway seeding in the longest WNBA season yet ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2025/7/14/24467062/wnba-games-watch-all-star-break-sky-angel-fever-caitlin-aces-aja-valkyries-mystics-mercury-lynx?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [startribune.com](https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-lynx-wnba-cheryl-reeve-napheesa-collier-alissa-pili-angel-reese/601394304?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Roster Move: Alissa Pili Waived
On July 7, the Lynx officially waived second-year forward Alissa Pili, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 draft, making her contract fully guaranteed if uncut after July 13. In her 36 games with Minnesota, Pili averaged 2.2 points and 1.2 rebounds in 6.1 minutes per contest. The move frees up a 12th roster spot as Minnesota head into the All-Star break and underlines the team’s “win-oriented” rotation under coach Cheryl Reeve. A replacement for Pili has yet to be announced ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/team/transactions/_/name/min?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [sbnation.com](https://www.sbnation.com/wnba/2025/7/12/24466553/minnesota-lynx-allisa-pili-waived-chicago-sky-loss?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Injury and Case Watch
Ariel Atkins’s leg injury from Monday night is under evaluation; her status could impact the Sky’s backcourt stability as they prepare for rematches and the All-Star festivities. Minnesota remains relatively healthy but continues to monitor any potential setbacks before Friday’s matinee showdown with the Phoenix Mercury, the final game before the break ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap/_/gameId/401736248?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [canishoopus.com](https://www.canishoopus.com/2025/7/14/24467731/wnba-final-score-minnesota-lynx-chicago-sky-napheesa-collier-courtney-williams-angel-reese?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
## Looking Ahead
The Lynx return home to Target Center to host the Phoenix Mercury on July 16, in what will be Minnesota’s last regular-season game before the All-Star Game in Chicago. Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky will regroup and aim to maintain momentum in a home tilt against the Atlanta Dream on July 16. With playoff positioning in play and league-wide All-Star selection chatter in full swing, the next 72 hours promise to shape the second half of the 2025 WNBA season ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/2025/7/14/24467062/wnba-games-watch-all-star-break-sky-angel-fever-caitlin-aces-aja-valkyries-mystics-mercury-lynx?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [canishoopus.com](https://www.canishoopus.com/2025/7/14/24467731/wnba-final-score-minnesota-lynx-chicago-sky-napheesa-collier-courtney-williams-angel-reese?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
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