Minnesota Lynx vs Chicago Sky Match Player Stats

The minnesota lynx vs chicago sky match player stats from the May 29, 2026 meeting at Wintrust Arena tell a much deeper story than the final score alone. Minnesota defeated Chicago 79-58, but the decisive part of the game was not simply shooting percentage or individual scoring. The Lynx controlled the third quarter, created more defensive pressure, moved the ball efficiently, and turned a close first half into a comfortable road victory. The official WNBA record lists the game as May 29, 2026, with Minnesota winning all three meetings of the 2026 regular-season series after Chicago won the opening matchup. (WNBA)

For readers comparing player performances, this matchup is especially useful because several different statistical stories happened at once. Nia Coffey led Minnesota with 20 points and eight rebounds, rookie Olivia Miles produced 17 points with six rebounds and six assists, and Natasha Howard added 14 points and four steals. For Chicago, Kamilla Cardoso posted 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Skylar Diggins also scored 12 points. (WNBA)

The final margin was 21 points, but the game was much more competitive during the opening 20 minutes. Minnesota led 33-30 at halftime before exploding for 31 points in the third quarter. That 31-16 third-quarter advantage became the turning point and ultimately separated the two teams.

Minnesota Lynx vs Chicago Sky Match Player Stats

The most important player statistics from the game are summarized below.

Category	Minnesota Lynx	Chicago Sky
Final Score	79	58
Field Goals	28-71	20-70
Field Goal %	39%	29%
3-Point Shooting	8-28	5-30
3-Point %	29%	17%
Free Throws	15-18	13-18
Free Throw %	83%	72%
Rebounds	43	41
Assists	20	15
Turnovers	14	17
Steals	13	6
Blocks	7	6

Minnesota’s statistical advantage becomes clear when the categories are viewed together. The Lynx did not dominate Chicago on the glass by a huge margin. The rebounding difference was only two, 43 to 41. Instead, Minnesota gained separation through better overall shooting, superior three-point accuracy, more assists, fewer turnovers, and considerably more steals.

The official WNBA game record confirms the 79-58 final score and the 31-16 third quarter that changed the direction of the contest. (WNBA)

Leading Minnesota scorers

Nia Coffey: 20 points, 8 rebounds

Coffey was the headline performer for Minnesota. She scored 20 points while shooting 6-for-9 from three-point range, making her outside shooting the biggest individual perimeter story of the game.

Her six made three-pointers were particularly important because Minnesota as a team made eight. That means Coffey accounted for three quarters of the Lynx’s made threes.

She also contributed eight rebounds, giving her production beyond scoring. The official WNBA recap identifies Coffey as the game’s leading scorer and notes that she scored 20 points while making six three-pointers. (WNBA)

Olivia Miles: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists

Miles delivered one of the most complete performances of the night. Her 17 points were second on the Lynx, while six assists showed her influence as a playmaker.

What makes her performance stand out is the balance between scoring and creation. A player who can generate 17 points while also producing six assists gives the offense another layer because opponents cannot focus only on stopping that player’s scoring.

Miles also contributed six rebounds, making her line particularly well-rounded.

Natasha Howard: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals

Howard’s influence was strongest when Minnesota needed defensive disruption. Her four steals were tied to the team’s overall defensive pressure and helped Minnesota create additional possessions.

She also scored 14 points and collected seven rebounds. The official Chicago Sky recap confirms Howard’s 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four steals. (Chicago Sky)

Courtney Williams: 10 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds

Williams did not need to lead the scoring because Minnesota received strong contributions from several players. Her five assists were valuable in keeping the offense connected, while four rebounds added another dimension to her contribution.

The Lynx ultimately had four starters score in double figures, a useful indicator of how evenly their offense was distributed. (Chicago Sky)

Leading Chicago Sky performers

Kamilla Cardoso: 12 points, 13 rebounds

Cardoso was Chicago’s strongest individual rebounder and recorded a double-double. Her 13 rebounds were the highest total by either team.

That number matters because Chicago did not get dominated on the glass despite losing by 21. Cardoso’s work inside helped the Sky stay competitive during portions of the first half.

She also scored 12 points and contributed two blocks. The Chicago Sky’s official recap confirms that Cardoso finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds, one assist and two blocks. (Chicago Sky)

Skylar Diggins: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists

Diggins matched Cardoso with 12 points and added five rebounds and three assists. Her scoring was important because Chicago needed reliable half-court offense against a Minnesota defense that became increasingly difficult to break down.

The challenge for Chicago was that individual contributions were not enough to offset the team’s overall shooting and turnover disadvantages.

Sydney Taylor: 7 points, 4 assists

Taylor’s contribution came primarily through playmaking. She recorded four assists in 20 minutes, establishing a new career high in assists according to the Chicago Sky’s official recap. (Chicago Sky)

Her performance also demonstrated why box-score analysis should not focus exclusively on scoring. Seven points may not look impressive beside a 12-point team high, but four assists from a bench player can have meaningful value when the team is trying to generate offense.

How the Game Changed Quarter by Quarter

The quarter-by-quarter numbers provide the clearest explanation for the result.

Quarter	Minnesota	Chicago	Minnesota Margin
First	19	12	+7
Second	14	18	-4
Third	31	16	+15
Fourth	15	12	+3
Total	79	58	+21

First quarter: Minnesota establishes control

Minnesota started the game with a 19-12 advantage.

The seven-point opening margin was significant because Chicago never entered the second quarter with an offensive rhythm strong enough to completely erase it.

The Lynx did not need to create a massive early lead. They simply needed to establish defensive pressure and force Chicago to work for every possession.

Second quarter: Chicago responds

Chicago won the second quarter 18-14.

That four-point advantage reduced Minnesota’s lead and made the halftime score 33-30. At that point, the game looked competitive.

This is an important lesson when interpreting final player statistics. A 21-point final margin can make a game appear one-sided from start to finish, but this contest was only a three-point game at halftime.

Chicago’s response in the second quarter showed that the Sky were capable of disrupting Minnesota’s early momentum.

Third quarter: The decisive stretch

The third quarter was the defining period.

Minnesota scored 31 points while Chicago managed only 16. The 15-point quarter swing transformed a three-point halftime advantage into an 18-point lead entering the final period.

The official WNBA recap describes Minnesota’s third-quarter surge in detail. Howard scored the opening six points of the quarter, while Coffey then hit consecutive three-pointers as Minnesota produced a 12-0 run. Miles also scored eight points in the period, with six coming from the free-throw line. (WNBA)

The Chicago Sky’s official recap describes an even more dramatic opening stretch, noting that Minnesota opened the second half with a 17-2 run. (Chicago Sky)

That is the clearest explanation for the final score.

Fourth quarter: Minnesota closes the game

Minnesota scored 15 points in the fourth while Chicago scored 12.

At that stage, the Lynx did not need to continue attacking at maximum offensive intensity. Their third-quarter advantage had already created enough separation.

The fourth quarter therefore functioned more as a closing period than a competitive turning point.

Why Minnesota Won

The most useful way to understand the result is to examine several statistical advantages together.

1. Minnesota shot significantly better

The Lynx converted 28 of 71 field-goal attempts, while Chicago made 20 of 70.

That created an eight-made-field-goal advantage despite the teams attempting almost the same number of shots.

Minnesota’s 39% field-goal percentage was also much better than Chicago’s 29%.

The difference was not merely cosmetic. When two teams take almost the same number of shots, converting eight more field goals creates a substantial scoring advantage.

2. The three-point gap mattered

Minnesota made 8 of 28 three-point attempts.

Chicago made only 5 of 30.

The difference was three made three-pointers, but the percentages were more revealing. Minnesota shot 29% from outside, while Chicago connected at only 17%.

Neither team was highly efficient from three, but Minnesota avoided the level of perimeter inefficiency that hurt Chicago.

Coffey’s 6-for-9 shooting from deep was especially important. Without that individual shooting performance, the overall Minnesota perimeter numbers would have looked very different.

3. Minnesota protected the ball better

Turnovers were 14 for Minnesota and 17 for Chicago.

Three turnovers may appear like a small difference, but the category becomes more meaningful when combined with the steal numbers.

Minnesota recorded 13 steals compared with six for Chicago.

That means the Lynx were not simply benefiting from Chicago mistakes. They were actively creating defensive pressure that disrupted Chicago’s offensive possessions.

4. Minnesota moved the ball more effectively

The Lynx finished with 20 assists compared with 15 for Chicago.

Five additional assists are meaningful in a game where Minnesota also shot eight percentage points better from the field.

The combination suggests a more connected offensive attack.

Instead of relying entirely on individual shot creation, Minnesota consistently generated opportunities through ball movement and secondary playmaking.

5. Free-throw efficiency favored Minnesota

Minnesota made 15 of 18 free throws for 83%.

Chicago made 13 of 18 for 72%.

The difference was only two made free throws, so this was not the primary reason for the result.

However, Minnesota’s ability to capitalize at the line helped prevent Chicago from gaining additional value from its possessions.

The Rebounding Battle Was Closer Than the Final Score

One of the most interesting aspects of this matchup is the rebounding margin.

Minnesota had 43 rebounds.

Chicago had 41.

That is only a two-rebound difference.

Cardoso personally grabbed 13 rebounds, which means Chicago had a strong individual performance on the glass despite losing the overall rebounding battle.

This matters because it rules out one common oversimplification: Minnesota did not win simply by overpowering Chicago physically.

Instead, the Lynx won through a combination of shooting, defensive pressure, ball movement and the ability to capitalize on Chicago’s inefficient possessions.

The rebounding numbers also show that Chicago remained competitive in one of the game’s fundamental areas.

Minnesota’s Defensive Pressure Was a Major Factor

The 13-6 steals advantage deserves more attention.

Steals can be volatile from game to game, but a seven-steal advantage in a 79-58 contest is difficult to ignore.

Minnesota’s defensive pressure created opportunities to end Chicago possessions early and transition into offense.

The Lynx also recorded seven blocks, compared with six for Chicago.

Together, the steals and blocks show that Minnesota was active across multiple levels of defense.

The result was particularly damaging to Chicago because the Sky were already struggling to make shots.

When a team is shooting 29% from the field, losing additional possessions through turnovers makes an offensive comeback even harder.

Chicago’s Biggest Problem Was Offensive Efficiency

Chicago attempted 70 field goals and made only 20.

That 29% shooting percentage was the central offensive problem.

The Sky also struggled from three-point range, making just five of 30 attempts.

This created an unfavorable combination:

• Low overall field-goal efficiency
• Poor three-point efficiency
• More turnovers than Minnesota
• Fewer assists
• Fewer steals
• A major third-quarter scoring deficit

The Sky still found ways to compete in the second quarter and remain close at halftime, but their offensive efficiency was not strong enough to withstand Minnesota’s third-quarter attack.

Kamilla Cardoso’s Performance Deserves More Context

Cardoso’s 12-point, 13-rebound performance could easily be overlooked because Chicago lost by 21.

That would be a mistake.

Her 13 rebounds were the highest individual total in the game. She also produced two blocks and provided interior resistance.

The bigger issue was that her individual rebounding production did not translate into enough team offense.

Chicago needed stronger perimeter efficiency around her.

When an interior player is producing on the glass but the team’s outside shooting falls to 17%, opponents can crowd the paint without paying a major perimeter price.

That is one of the most important tactical lessons from this game.

Nia Coffey Was the Difference Maker

Coffey’s performance is arguably the clearest individual reason Minnesota won.

Her 20 points led the game.

Her eight rebounds ranked among Minnesota’s best totals.

Most importantly, she converted six three-pointers.

The official WNBA recap noted that Coffey’s six made threes came on nine attempts and represented her highest scoring output since a 23-point performance against Seattle in 2018. (WNBA)

Her efficiency changed the geometry of the game.

When Coffey was hitting from outside, Chicago could not simply concentrate its defense around Minnesota’s interior scoring and primary creators.

That spacing created room for players such as Miles and Howard to attack different areas of the floor.

Olivia Miles’ All-Around Impact

Miles’ 17 points, six rebounds and six assists made her one of the most complete players on the floor.

The most interesting part of her performance was not any single number. It was the combination.

A player can score 17 points through volume shooting. A player can also produce six assists by sacrificing scoring opportunities.

Miles managed to contribute meaningfully in both areas.

Her third-quarter performance was particularly important. She scored eight points during the period, including six free throws, helping Minnesota turn its modest halftime lead into a comfortable advantage. (WNBA)

For evaluating young players, this is exactly the type of box score that deserves attention because it demonstrates multiple ways to influence a game.

The Season Series Tells an Interesting Story

The three-game 2026 regular-season series between these teams was split into different phases.

Chicago won the first meeting 86-79 on May 17.

Minnesota then won the second meeting 85-75 on May 23.

The Lynx completed the series with the 79-58 victory on May 29.

The official WNBA schedule confirms the three 2026 meetings, including the May 17 matchup in Minnesota and the May 23 and May 29 games in Chicago. (ESPN)

That progression is worth studying.

The first meeting demonstrated that Chicago could beat Minnesota.

The second showed Minnesota adjusting successfully.

The third was the most decisive result, with Minnesota winning by 21.

Therefore, the season series was not simply a statistical sweep. It reflected a developing matchup in which Minnesota increasingly found answers.

What the Three Games Suggest About the Matchup

The series offers several useful conclusions.

Minnesota became harder to contain

Across the later meetings, Minnesota demonstrated greater offensive consistency.

The Lynx could win through different contributors rather than relying on one scorer.

Against Chicago on May 29, Coffey led the team, but Miles, Howard and Williams also reached double figures. (Chicago Sky)

Chicago remained dangerous but inconsistent

The Sky had enough talent to win the opening meeting.

However, the later games exposed the importance of offensive consistency.

The difference between Chicago’s best stretches and its poorest stretches was significant.

Defense became increasingly important

The final matchup was not a high-scoring offensive battle.

Instead, Minnesota’s ability to pressure Chicago and force inefficient possessions became decisive.

The 79-58 final score reflects that defensive character.

What These Player Stats Mean for Future Matchups

If these teams meet again, several statistical categories should be watched closely.

Chicago’s three-point shooting

The most obvious area for improvement is perimeter efficiency.

Five made threes on 30 attempts is not enough to consistently punish a defense.

If Chicago can improve its outside shooting, Cardoso’s interior presence becomes more dangerous because defenders have a greater reason to stay connected to perimeter shooters.

Minnesota’s turnover pressure

Minnesota’s 13 steals were a major advantage.

Chicago will need cleaner passing and stronger ball security in future meetings.

Reducing turnovers would not only protect possessions. It would also prevent Minnesota from generating transition opportunities.

The battle around Cardoso

Cardoso’s rebounding performance demonstrates that Chicago can compete physically.

Minnesota’s defensive approach must account for her ability to generate second chances.

At the same time, Chicago needs more scoring efficiency from the players around her so that her rebounding work produces greater offensive value.

Miles’ development as a creator

Miles’ six assists are another important trend.

If she continues to combine scoring with playmaking, Minnesota’s offense becomes more difficult to defend because opponents cannot simply force her into one role.

A Better Way to Read a Player Box Score

A common mistake is to identify the highest scorer and assume that player was the main reason for the victory.

This game demonstrates why that approach is incomplete.

Coffey led Minnesota with 20 points, but the victory was supported by:

• Miles’ 17 points and six assists
• Howard’s 14 points and four steals
• Williams’ five assists
• 20 total team assists
• 13 team steals
• 83% free-throw shooting
• 14 turnovers compared with Chicago’s 17

On Chicago’s side, Cardoso’s 13 rebounds and Diggins’ 12 points were valuable, but the team could not overcome its 29% field-goal shooting and 17% three-point shooting.

A good statistical analysis therefore asks three questions:

1. Who scored the most?
2. Which team created more efficient possessions?
3. Which players influenced the categories that determined the result?

For this matchup, those questions point strongly toward Minnesota.

Key Statistical Takeaways

The most important numbers from the game can be summarized quickly.

Final score: Minnesota 79, Chicago 58.

• Best scorer: Nia Coffey with 20 points.
• Best all-around Minnesota performance: Olivia Miles with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists.
• Best rebounder: Kamilla Cardoso with 13 rebounds.
• Best defensive disruption: Natasha Howard with four steals.
• Best perimeter shooting performance: Nia Coffey with six made three-pointers on nine attempts.

Team shooting advantage: Minnesota shot 39% from the field compared with Chicago’s 29%.

Three-point advantage: Minnesota shot 29% from deep compared with Chicago’s 17%.

Assist advantage: Minnesota 20, Chicago 15.

Steal advantage: Minnesota 13, Chicago 6.

Turnover advantage: Minnesota 14, Chicago 17.

Largest quarter: Minnesota’s 31-point third quarter.

Largest turning point: Minnesota’s second-half surge after leading only 33-30 at halftime.

Historical Context of the Matchup

The Lynx and Sky have a long WNBA history, making this series more than an isolated statistical event.

The Chicago Sky’s 2026 media guide lists Minnesota as one of Chicago’s established opponents and records the scheduled May meetings at Target Center and Wintrust Arena. (WNBA)

That historical context makes the 2026 results more interesting because the teams entered the season with established familiarity.

In a familiar matchup, coaching adjustments and player versatility often matter more than simple talent comparisons.

The May 29 game showed Minnesota executing particularly well after halftime.

Why the Third Quarter Should Be the Main Focus

If someone only has time to study one part of this game, the third quarter provides the most useful information.

Minnesota scored 31 points.

Chicago scored 16.

The 15-point differential was larger than the final difference in any other quarter.

The Lynx attacked aggressively, generated free-throw opportunities, hit perimeter shots and disrupted Chicago defensively.

That sequence changed the entire statistical profile of the game.

Before halftime, Chicago had a realistic chance to win.

After the third quarter, the Sky were facing an 18-point deficit.

This is why quarter-by-quarter analysis can be more revealing than a basic final box score.

Official Game Information

The matchup took place at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Attendance was listed at 7,004.

The officials were Angelica Suffren, Kelsey Reynolds and RJ Johnson.

The game was available through ION and WNBA League Pass.

For readers who want to verify the complete official box score and game information, the official WNBA game record provides the league’s recorded linescore, game details and statistical information. (WNBA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led the Minnesota Lynx in scoring against the Chicago Sky?

Nia Coffey led Minnesota with 20 points. She also recorded eight rebounds and made six three-pointers.

Who led the Chicago Sky in scoring?

Kamilla Cardoso and Skylar Diggins each scored 12 points for Chicago.

What was the final score between Minnesota and Chicago?

Minnesota defeated Chicago 79-58.

Who had the most rebounds in the game?

Kamilla Cardoso led all players with 13 rebounds. Nia Coffey was Minnesota’s leading rebounder with eight.

Which team won the 2026 season series?

Minnesota won the 2026 regular-season series 2-1 according to the supplied matchup sequence, but the official WNBA schedule and game records show the three meetings as May 17, May 23 and May 29. Chicago won the first game, while Minnesota won the final two. (WNBA)

What was the biggest turning point?

The third quarter was the biggest turning point. Minnesota outscored Chicago 31-16 and turned a three-point halftime lead into an 18-point advantage.

Conclusion

The minnesota lynx vs chicago sky match player stats reveal why Minnesota’s 79-58 victory was more than a routine road win.

Coffey provided the scoring punch with 20 points and six made three-pointers. Miles added a complete 17-point, six-rebound and six-assist performance. Howard contributed 14 points and four steals, while Williams helped keep the offense moving with five assists.

Chicago had its own standout performance from Cardoso, whose 13 rebounds led the game. Diggins also provided 12 points, while Taylor contributed four assists. Yet those individual efforts could not overcome Chicago’s overall offensive struggles.

The biggest statistical differences were Minnesota’s 39% field-goal shooting compared with Chicago’s 29%, its 20-15 assist advantage, its 13-6 edge in steals and its lower turnover total.

Most importantly, the third quarter demonstrated how quickly a competitive game can change. Minnesota entered halftime ahead only 33-30. Fifteen minutes later, the Lynx had built an 18-point advantage.

That combination of efficient scoring, defensive pressure, ball movement and timely individual performances explains the final result far better than the 21-point margin alone.

The game also completed a notable three-game season series. Chicago won the first meeting, Minnesota responded in the second, and the Lynx delivered their most convincing performance in the finale. For anyone studying the matchup, the progression is useful because it shows how individual player production, team efficiency and in-game adjustments can combine to determine a result.

The central lesson from the box score is simple: Minnesota did not win because of one statistical category. The Lynx won because several positive categories moved in the same direction at the same time.