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In Minneapolis, the Minnesota Lynx secured an 80-76 victory over the Washington Mystics, boosting their home record to an impressive 16-1 this season. Alana Smith led the Lynx with 25 points, while Courtney Williams contributed 14. Both Smith and Washington rookie Sonia Citron scored eight consecutive points for their teams. Citron’s three-point play at 2:44 narrowed the Mystics’ deficit to 71-70, but Smith responded with her fourth three-pointer right after. Citron tied the game at 76 with a 3-pointer at the 59-second mark, but Williams’ baseline jump shot put Minnesota ahead by two. A critical review overturned a foul call against Washington’s Sug Sutton with 36 seconds remaining, but Citron then lost possession on a jump ball. Kayla McBride sealed the win by sinking two free throws. Dehony Carrington, debuting at home after a trade from Dallas, scored 12 points for the Lynx, who finished 26-5 overall. Washington’s Citron finished strong with 26 points, including four three-pointers, while Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin added 12 points each. Minnesota’s Naphesa Collier missed the game due to a right ankle injury.
In Arlington, Texas, the New York Liberty defeated the Dallas Wings 88-77, marking their third consecutive win against Dallas. Sabrina Ionescu scored 16 points, and Emma Meesseman contributed 14 points along with eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Leonie Fiebich and Jonquel Jones also scored 14 points for New York, with Natasha Cloud and Marine Johannes each adding 10. For Dallas, Arike Ogunbowale led with 17 points, and Maddy Siegrist came off the bench for 15 points. Dallas, now 8-23, suffered a fourth straight defeat and was without rookie Paige Bueckers due to a back injury that required treatment in New York earlier this week. Breanna Stewart, Kennedy Burke, and Nyara Sabally were also absent. Meesseman had a strong first half with 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists to help the Liberty build a 50-34 halftime lead. New York shot 51.5% overall, including five of 12 from three-point range, and was perfect from the free-throw line (11-of-11). The Wings struggled with ball control, committing nine turnovers while shooting just 33.3%.
In Las Vegas, the Aces edged out the Seattle Storm 90-86 on A’ja Wilson’s 29th birthday. Wilson posted 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Jackie Young added 26 points, including a key three-pointer with 51 seconds left in the game. Young energized the Aces with seven straight points during a 9-0 run that gave Las Vegas a 63-44 lead midway through the third quarter. Seattle fought back, closing the quarter with a 17-6 run and trimming the deficit to 71-70. Dominique Malonga’s three-point play with 5:38 remaining tied the game at 75 — the closest Seattle had been since early in the contest. Young’s late three-pointer put the Aces ahead 90-84. Chelsea Gray added 13 points, and Narissa Smith posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Jewell Loyd scored 10 points against her former team. Young’s second basket of the game put coach Becky Hammon past the franchise’s previous record for most field goals.
Fan Take: These games showcase the thrilling competition and rising talent in the WNBA, highlighting how pivotal individual performances and clutch moments can determine tight games. For fans and the sport, the intense rivalries and emerging stars promise a compelling season that continues to grow the league’s excitement and visibility.
