The Minnesota Lynx delivered one of their most emphatic wins of the season in a nationally televised matchup against the Chicago Sky, and Napheesa Collier was the undisputed star of the night.

Her dominance on both ends of the floor not only fueled a decisive blowout win, but it also left Angel Reese struggling and frustrated in front of a primetime audience.

The contrast between Collier’s polish and Reese’s raw, developing game was glaring, and it set the stage for a performance that sparked inevitable comparisons to Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom whose name continues to dominate WNBA storylines.

From the opening minutes, Collier made her presence impossible to ignore. She scored the Lynx’s first six points, bullying her way through Reese in the paint before stepping out to drain a mid-range jumper. Reese looked uncomfortable defending her versatility—too slow to contest her shot and too light to stop her inside. Collier’s efficiency set the tone, while Reese’s struggles prevented Chicago from ever finding rhythm. The difference between a seasoned star and a player still finding her footing was on full display.

Minnesota leaned into Collier’s dominance, and she delivered possession after possession. She attacked relentlessly, drawing fouls on Reese and forcing the Sky to rotate their defense awkwardly. When Chicago doubled her in the post, Collier calmly kicked the ball out to open shooters, leading to a barrage of three-pointers that widened the gap early. The Sky looked disjointed, while Collier orchestrated Minnesota’s offense like a maestro.

The defensive end was where Collier’s superiority was most apparent. Reese attempted to impose her will on the boards, but Collier boxed her out cleanly, ripped down rebounds, and turned them into fast-break chances. A pivotal moment came late in the first quarter when Reese tried to score on a drive, only for Collier to swat her shot cleanly off the backboard. The play led to an easy layup in transition, and the crowd erupted as if sensing that this matchup was already decided.

By halftime, the scoreboard reflected Collier’s brilliance. She had 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals on 70% shooting. Reese, on the other hand, had just 3 points and 2 rebounds, along with three fouls that forced her to the bench. ESPN commentators were blunt in their analysis, pointing out that Reese looked overmatched and unprepared to go toe-to-toe with one of the league’s elite forwards. The halftime show dissected clips of Collier’s footwork, timing, and vision, underscoring the skill gap between the two.

The third quarter became Collier’s showcase. She scored at all three levels—hitting a deep three, finishing tough layups through contact, and cashing in from the free-throw line. The highlight of the night came when she stripped Reese on defense, sprinted down the floor, and converted a contested and-one layup. Reese could only watch in frustration as the arena roared, social media exploded with clips, and the Lynx bench celebrated wildly.

Minnesota’s lead ballooned to more than 25 points midway through the third, and by then, it was no longer a contest. Collier was in complete control, while Reese appeared visibly shaken. She forced shots that clanged off the rim, picked up her fourth and fifth fouls trying to stop Collier, and ultimately fouled out late in the fourth quarter. By the time she left the floor, the Sky were buried under an insurmountable deficit, trailing by more than 30.

Collier’s final stat line was staggering: 34 points, 14 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists on 13-of-19 shooting. It was a performance that highlighted her status as one of the league’s most well-rounded stars. Reese’s night, in contrast, ended with just 7 points and 5 rebounds on 3-of-13 shooting, a stat line that underscored just how thoroughly she was outclassed. The difference in production wasn’t just a footnote—it was the story of the game.

The Lynx’s 98–65 victory was more than just another win in the standings. It was a statement game, a reminder of Collier’s MVP-caliber presence and Minnesota’s potential to contend deep into the postseason. For the Sky, the loss raised uncomfortable questions about whether they are leaning too heavily on Reese too soon, and whether their young star is ready for the spotlight of being the franchise centerpiece.

The comparisons to Caitlin Clark inevitably dominated postgame discussions. While Clark has dazzled with record-breaking performances and lifted Indiana into national headlines, Reese’s inconsistencies have stood out. Collier’s dismantling of her only added fuel to the narrative that Reese isn’t in the same stratosphere—not yet, at least. “She’s no Caitlin Clark” became a trending phrase on social media, with fans and analysts alike noting that while Clark has embraced the pressure of stardom, Reese is still struggling to adjust to the professional level.

Collier herself downplayed the one-on-one narrative, focusing on team success. “We came in with a game plan, and we executed,” she said. “Angel’s a talented player, but my job is to make sure I give my team the best chance to win. Tonight, we all locked in.” Her humility didn’t mask the fact that she had outclassed Reese in every measurable way, turning the game into a personal highlight reel while securing a blowout win for her team.

Reese, to her credit, faced the cameras after the loss and admitted she had been outplayed. “I’ve got to be better,” she said. “Games like this, against players like Phee, they show me what I need to work on. I’ll learn from it.” Her willingness to acknowledge her shortcomings may resonate with fans, but the reality is that nights like this feed into the narrative that her stardom is more hype than substance—for now.

The game also reflected the broader storylines shaping this WNBA season. Clark’s meteoric rise has redefined what fans expect from rookies, while Reese’s slower development has highlighted the challenges of translating college dominance into professional consistency. Collier, firmly in her prime, reminded everyone that the league’s established stars are still setting the standard, and that young players must rise to their level rather than simply relying on reputation.

As the season moves forward, the Sky will need to regroup and find ways to ease the pressure on Reese while still nurturing her growth. For the Lynx, the blowout win reinforces their identity as a team built around Collier’s leadership, versatility, and sheer will to dominate. If she continues to perform like this, Minnesota could very well find themselves contending for a championship.

For now, the night belongs to Napheesa Collier. On national television, with the spotlight shining brightest, she not only humiliated Angel Reese but also reminded the basketball world why she belongs in the conversation with the league’s very best. Reese may eventually grow into her role, but on this night, the difference was undeniable. Collier was the star, the game-changer, the force. Reese was simply the player left chasing shadows. And the comparisons to Caitlin Clark? Those only made Collier’s dominance shine brighter.