Kayla McBride delivered an impressive All-Star performance with 18 points as the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Phoenix Mercury 79-66 on Wednesday afternoon in Minneapolis. The game featured two of the WNBA’s top teams facing off just before the All-Star break, showcasing McBride’s crucial role in the Lynx’s success.
Key Contributions and Game Highlights
Besides McBride, Courtney Williams added 12 points and seven rebounds to help secure the win for the Lynx. Napheesa Collier, the league’s top scorer, contributed 10 points, most of which came in the second half, while Alanna Smith chipped in with 11 points. This victory gave the Lynx a three-to-one edge in the season series after avenging a previous 79-71 loss to Phoenix.
On the Mercury’s side, Alyssa Thomas led the team with 12 points and nine assists, while DeWanna Bonner and Kalani Brown each scored 11 points. Brown also grabbed 11 rebounds, with Natasha Mack adding 13 rebounds for Phoenix. Despite their efforts, the Mercury struggled offensively, shooting just 35.7 percent from the field, unable to find a lead after McBride’s early three-pointer established Minnesota’s dominance.
Notable Performances and Team Context
McBride, recently named to the All-Star reserve roster as a replacement for the injured Rhyne Howard of Atlanta, complemented her scoring with five rebounds, five assists, and perfect free-throw shooting, converting all six attempts. The Lynx demonstrated strong shooting from beyond the arc, connecting on 10 of 23 three-pointers, including shots from all five starters and reserve Maria Kliundikova. Alanna Smith’s three three-pointers in the third quarter nearly matched her season best.
Jessica Shepard’s buzzer-beating tip-in capped the third quarter, giving Minnesota a 15-point lead heading into the final period. The Lynx extended their advantage to 16 points after Williams drained a three-pointer with six minutes left. Phoenix, missing several key players due to injury including guard Kahleah Copper, forward Satou Sabally, and Monique Akoa Makani, had a challenging night despite Bonner’s first start in her third game with the Mercury.
Implications of the Win for the Lynx and Mercury
The Lynx have now won six of their last eight games, concluding the first half of the season with an impressive 20-4 record, demonstrating their strength as a top contender in the league. Conversely, the Mercury, who had won nine of their previous 11 games, were unable to secure back-to-back wins against Minnesota for the first time since 2015. Minnesota’s defensive effort, which limited Phoenix to under 40 percent shooting for the 11th time this season, was a key factor in the outcome.
With the All-Star break underway, the Lynx will look to maintain their momentum and solidify their position as a playoff favorite, while the Mercury seek to regroup and overcome injuries as the season progresses.