Chicago, IL — The Chicago Sky closed out their 2025 preseason campaign with a narrow 92-87 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday, finishing the exhibition slate with a 2-1 record. The Sky now turn their attention to their regular season opener on May 17, when they travel to Indiana to face the Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Chicago came out firing from long range, hitting six of their first seven three-point shots and finishing the night shooting a strong 42.9% (12-of-28) from deep. Despite the hot start, the Lynx managed to outlast the Sky in a tight contest.
Veteran guard Rachel Banham and offseason acquisition Kia Nurse led the Sky in scoring with 14 points each. Banham was particularly effective from beyond the arc, knocking down four of her seven three-point attempts.
Rookie center Kamilla Cardoso continued her impressive preseason with 13 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, while fellow first-rounder Angel Reese contributed 10 points and six assists. Ariel Atkins filled the stat sheet with seven points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two blocks, and Hailey Van Lith added eight points off the bench in another solid showing.
Chicago’s preseason journey began on May 2 with a special exhibition against the Brazilian National Team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana—Reese’s former college home. The Sky dominated that matchup 89-62, led by Reese’s double-double performance of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Cardoso, who has played for Brazil in multiple international tournaments, chipped in six points and eight boards, while Nurse impressed in her debut with 11 points, including three triples.
The team returned home to Wintrust Arena on May 6 to take on Minnesota in the first of their two preseason meetings. Chicago came away with a 74-69 win, paced by Courtney Vandersloot’s 11 points, five assists, four steals, and three rebounds in her return to the franchise. Cardoso added 10 points and seven rebounds, Reese recorded nine points and eight boards, and Atkins added 10 points and four assists.
Now, with three preseason games under their belt, the Sky prepare to tip off the 2025 regular season next Friday at 2 p.m. ET against the Indiana Fever. With a strong mix of youth, veteran leadership, and promising chemistry, Chicago will look to carry its preseason momentum into the games that count.
