In Minneapolis, Naphesa Collier led the Minnesota Lynx with 30 points and nine rebounds, while Kayla McBride contributed 24 points, helping the Lynx defeat the New York Liberty 100-93 in a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals. Bridget Carlton hit crucial three-pointers late in the game, including one with 7:08 remaining in the fourth quarter that extended Minnesota’s lead to 79-66, and another to push the lead to 84-69 shortly after.
Minnesota’s advantage grew to 92-77 before New York stormed back with an 11-0 run over two minutes, capped by a three-point play from Collier that secured a 7-point lead with just under a minute left. Collier marked her fifth 30-point game this season, shooting 11 of 16 from the field and 6 of 9 at the free throw line, while Minnesota connected on a season-high 15 three-pointers, reaching the 100-point mark for the fourth time this year.
Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 31 points despite battling a bone bruise in her right knee, supported by Brenna Stewart’s absence. Isabel Harrison added 15 points and Marine Johannes contributed 14 for the Liberty. Alana Smith scored 12 points for the Lynx, with both Carlton and Nether Heedman adding 10 points each. Courtney Williams had a career-high 13 assists, along with six points and nine rebounds.
Collier’s three-pointer with 14.3 seconds left in the first half gave Minnesota a 51-42 lead, finishing the half with 19 points, including the Lynx’s last 11 points in the second quarter.
Fan Take: This game highlights why the Minnesota Lynx remain a powerhouse in the WNBA, showcasing their depth and sharpshooting skills. For fans and the sport, it’s a thrilling reminder of the high-level competition and talent driving the league’s growth and excitement.
