The Minnesota Lynx secured a strong 91-82 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in a thrilling matchup on Thursday. Natisha Hiedeman was a standout performer off the bench, contributing 18 points, while Napheesa Collier notched 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Collier showcased her skills with a crucial step-back jumper just before halftime, propelling the Lynx to a 50-40 lead. The Lynx bench made a significant impact, scoring 30 points in the first half, primarily driven by Hiedeman’s efficient 6-of-9 shooting.
In a dominant third quarter, Minnesota shot 56.5% from the field, outpacing the Sparks 30-19. Collier extended the Lynx’s lead to 27 points with a basket late in the third quarter, although Los Angeles fought back, scoring the last six points of that quarter and initiating the fourth quarter with 11 unanswered points to narrow the gap to 80-70.
Despite the Sparks’ efforts, Minnesota maintained their lead in the final frame. Alanna Smith and Courtney Williams responded effectively for the Lynx, scoring consecutively to push the lead to 84-70. Smith added a timely 3-pointer to further solidify their advantage.
Williams contributed 16 points and seven assists, while Smith finished with 15 points. This victory comes after the Lynx’s recent loss to Phoenix, marking an important bounce-back win as they continue to solidify their position at the top of the standings with a record of 18-3.
Kelsey Plum was the bright spot for Los Angeles, leading her team with 17 points and a season-high 12 assists. The Sparks’ struggles with turnovers were evident, as they committed 22, resulting in 23 points for the Lynx.
This game not only displays the Lynx’s resilience but also emphasizes the intensity of the competition within the WNBA. As the season progresses, teams will continue to jockey for position, making each matchup critical for playoff seeding.