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Napheesa Collier leads Lynx to victory with 27 points and career-high 18 rebounds against Aces
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    Napheesa Collier leads Lynx to victory with 27 points and career-high 18 rebounds against Aces

    MINNEAPOLIS — Napheesa Collier scored 27 points and grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds to help the Minnesota Lynx beat the Las Vegas Aces 87-74 on Friday night. 

    Minnesota (21-8) has won five straight games and sits atop the Western Conference standings, two games ahead of the Seattle Storm. The Lynx extended their winning streak over the two-time defending WNBA champion Aces to three games.

    Collier finished 11 of 15 shooting, including 2 of 4 from 3-point range, with five assists and two steals. Alanna Smith made 6 of 9 from the field and scored 15 for the Lynx, while Courtney Williams scored 13 and Natisha Hiedeman and Kayla McBride added 12 apiece. Williams left the game after she suffered a non-contact injury midway through the fourth quarter and did not return. 

    Collier made a layup and then a mid-range jumper to give Minnesota a one-point lead at halftime and the Lynx scored 22 of the first 28 second-half points to stretch their advantage to 62-45. It was at least a two-possession game the rest of the way. 

    Jackie Young made the second of two free throws to pull Las Vegas within four points with 6:14 to play but McBride answered with a 3-pointer and the Aces (17-11) got no closer. 

    A’ja Wilson led Las Vegas with 24 points and seven rebounds while Young and Tiffany Hayes scored 12 each and Kelsey Plum finished with 11 on 4 of 10 from the field. 

    Wilson scored 11 points on 5 of 8 shooting in the third but her teammates combined to make just one of nine attempts and committed five turnovers as the Aces were outscored 25-15 in the period. 

    Las Vegas has lost four of its last five games, including three of four since returning from a monthlong break for the Paris Olympics. 

    The Aces beat Minnesota 80-66 in Minneapolis on May 29 but the Lynx beat Las Vegas by double digits in each of their three meetings since, including a 98-87 road victory on Wednesday.

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    In a thrilling matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, Napheesa Collier put on a show for the Minnesota Lynx, leading her team to a hard-fought victory with an impressive stat line of 27 points and a career-high 18 rebounds. The 6-foot-1 forward showcased her versatility and dominance on both ends of the court, proving once again why she is considered one of the top players in the WNBA.

    Collier’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she consistently found ways to impact the game and make key plays when her team needed it most. Her scoring ability was on full display, as she knocked down shots from all over the court and attacked the rim with aggression. Additionally, her rebounding prowess was crucial in controlling the glass and giving her team second-chance opportunities.

    Not only did Collier excel individually, but she also demonstrated great leadership and composure throughout the game. She remained calm under pressure and made smart decisions with the ball, setting up her teammates for scoring opportunities and making timely defensive stops. Her poise and determination were infectious, inspiring her teammates to elevate their play and secure the victory.

    Overall, Napheesa Collier’s performance against the Aces was a testament to her skill, work ethic, and competitive spirit. She continues to prove herself as a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA, and her contributions are instrumental in the Lynx’s success this season. Fans can expect to see more standout performances from Collier as she continues to make her mark on the league and solidify her place among the elite players in women’s basketball.