Rookie leads Sky to win over Lynx in pre-season game
With both teams missing key starters, the Chicago Sky opened its pre-season slate with a win Friday, 87-78 over the Minnesota Lynx on the campus of Concordia University in St. Paul.
Shameka Christen scored 17 points in her first game on the Sky. She shot 5-of-9 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the 3-point arc in 21 minutes played. Tamera Young led the Sky with 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Newly acquired forward Cathrine Kraayeveld managed only 4 points in 18 minutes of action.
The Sky put together a 27-20 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, building to a 75-57 lead into the fourth quarter.
"At times I felt we moved and shared the ball pretty well," said Steven Key, the Sky's head coach and general manager.
The Sky's inactive list included Krisit Toliver, rookie Epiphanny Prince, all-star Sylvia Fowles and Courtney Paris.
Minnesota was without regulars Nicky Anosike, Lindsay Whalen, Candice Wiggins, Seimone Augustus and Charde Houston. The Lynx were led by rookie Monica Wright's 18 points.
The Sky outscored Minnesota in the paint 32-26 on the game, but was outrebounded 38-30.
The Sky will host the Lynx at Allstate Arena in pre-season action at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.