Napheesa Collier delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing nine rebounds as the Minnesota Lynx defeated the New York Liberty 100-93. This game, held recently, served as a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals and featured impressive efforts from both teams. Collier’s exceptional scoring ability and leadership helped the Lynx secure this important win in their strong season.
Alongside Collier, Kayla McBride added 24 points for Minnesota. Bridget Carleton made a key contribution with a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, pushing the Lynx’s lead to 79-66 with just over seven minutes left. Collier’s shooting accuracy stood out, as she made 11 of 16 field goal attempts and sank six of nine free throws during the game.
Minnesota Lynx’s Shooting Prowess Powers Their Win
This match marked Collier’s fifth game this season with at least 30 points, highlighting her role as a consistent scorer for Minnesota. The Lynx also set a season-high by making 15 three-pointers, helping them surpass the 100-point mark for the fourth time this year. Minnesota’s current record now stands impressively at 23-5, reflecting their strong position in the league.
Despite a fierce challenge from the Liberty, Minnesota’s efficient offense and depth proved decisive, particularly in the second half where they extended their lead. The team’s ability to convert from beyond the arc played a critical role in securing the win against New York.
New York Liberty’s Effort Hampered by Stewarts’ Absence
Sabrina Ionescu led the New York Liberty with 31 points, demonstrating her scoring talent despite the team’s loss. Isabelle Harrison and Marine Johannes contributed 15 and 14 points, respectively. However, the Liberty missed key star Breanna Stewart, who was sidelined due to a knee injury. Stewart’s absence was felt as New York struggled to keep pace with Minnesota’s organized offense and sharp shooting.
The Liberty now hold a 17-9 record, showing resilience but also highlighting the need for a full-strength roster to compete with top teams like Minnesota. New York’s determination was evident, but their efforts fell short against the Lynx’s balanced attack and strong defensive plays.
Atlanta Dream Secure Narrow Win Over Dallas Wings with Hillmon’s Clutch Shot
In another thrilling WNBA contest, Naz Hillmon scored a career-high 21 points to lead the Atlanta Dream to an 88-85 victory against the Dallas Wings. Hillmon’s decisive three-pointer in the closing seconds sealed the win and underlined her ability to perform under pressure. Twelve of Hillmon’s points came in the final quarter, showcasing her impact in critical moments.
Allisha Gray also played well for Atlanta, contributing 15 points, while Brionna Jones and Maya Caldwell added 14 and 13 points respectively. On the Dallas side, rookie Paige Bueckers impressed by scoring 21 points, including nine in the last five minutes. This marked Bueckers’ eleventh game this season with at least 20 points, highlighting her emerging star status.
Indiana Fever Extend Winning Streak with McDonald’s Career Night
The Indiana Fever captured their third consecutive victory after Aari McDonald scored a career-high 27 points against the Phoenix Mercury. Aliyah Boston supported the team with 22 points and 12 rebounds, playing a key role in Indiana’s 107-101 win. Despite missing Caitlin Clark due to injury, the Fever maintained their momentum and improved their season record.
Boston’s contribution was particularly significant in the fourth quarter, where she scored Indiana’s first 14 points to help the team establish an 88-79 lead. A corner three-pointer by Chloe Bibby further extended their advantage, underscoring Indiana’s strong finish.
Phoenix Mercury’s Struggles Continue Despite Thomas’ Effort
Alyssa Thomas delivered an impressive performance for Phoenix with 32 points and 15 rebounds. However, her efforts were not enough to avoid the Mercury’s fourth defeat in their last five games. Kahleah Copper and Sami Whitcomb added 22 and 18 points respectively, but Phoenix struggled to keep up with Indiana’s offensive intensity. The Mercury now face the challenge of regrouping to improve their standing as the season progresses.
Significance of Recent Results and Next Steps for Teams
The Minnesota Lynx’s victory over the Liberty highlights their strong form this season and positions them as serious contenders for the championship once again. Napheesa Collier’s consistent high-level performances continue to inspire her team and fuel their success. Meanwhile, New York Liberty will look to recover Stewarts’ full fitness to bolster their chances in upcoming games.
Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever both showcased their resilience with last-minute wins, demonstrating the competitive depth in the league. Emerging talents such as Naz Hillmon and Aari McDonald are stepping up in crucial situations, signaling promising futures for their teams. The ongoing battles and tight finishes reflect an intense and passionate WNBA season ahead.