On Friday, July 17 the Chicago Sky (9-5) will travel to Minneapolis to take on the Western Conference leading Minnesota Lynx (10-3) for the second time this season. Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm CT at the Target Center as Chicago looks to build off the momentum of its four-game winning streak that has brought the team to the top of the Eastern Conference.

Chicago is entering Friday’s contest off a large victory over the Washington Mystics. Allie Quigley led the Sky with 15 points resulting in a score of 85-57. Cappie Pondexter (14), Jamierra Faulkner (12), Clarissa Dos Santos (11) and Elena Delle Donne (11) also contributed double-digit points. The Lynx are coming off an 85-79 win over Connecticut on Tuesday. Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus led Minnesota scoring 26 and 21 points, respectively.

The last game between the Sky and the Lynx took place at Allstate Arena on July 10. The battle was fast paced and high scoring. Delle Donne and Pondexter contributed 24 points apiece to lead Chicago to a 90-83 victory. Rookie Betnijah Laney had her first WNBA start and tallied four points in 25 minutes of play. Moore led all scorers with 29 points.

Accuracy at the free throw line contributed to Chicago securing the win. The team attempted 23 free throws and converted on 21 of them. This resulted in the Sky shooting an impressive 91.3% from the line, compared to Minnesota’s 69.2% free throw shooting. Chicago has greatly improved its free throw shooting as a team, which should continue to provide them with wins.

In Friday’s contest, the Sky must attempt to minimize their turnovers. In the last game against the Lynx, Chicago committed eight turnovers in the first half. After a talk from coach at the intermission, the Sky cut turnovers down to two in the second half. Controlling the ball will give the Sky a better opportunity to get in an offensive rhythm. Getting to the free throw line and minimizing turnovers are the two keys that will lead to success on Friday.

In addition to these technical keys to execute, Chicago Sky Head Coach and General Manger Pokey Chatman wants her team to have fun.

“We’re living the dream: playing basketball and getting paid for it, so make relax and enjoy it,” Chatman said after the July 10 game.

The Sky returns home on July 19 to host the San Antonio Stars. To join the team in all the fun and excitement, call 866.SKY.WNBA to purchase tickets.