Minnesota Lynx defeat Phoenix Mercury, continue winning streak to seven games

PHOENIX — Kayla McBride scored 19 points and hit three of Minnesota’s 11 3-pointers to help the Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 89-76 Wednesday night and extend their winning streak to seven.

Courtney Williams scored 16 points with five assists, Napheesa Collier added 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists and Myisha Hines-Allen had 11 for Minnesota (23-8). Bridget Carleton finished with nine points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. 

Minnesota, which is now a half-game ahead of Connecticut for the second-best record in the WNBA, built an early edge with a 17-0 run in the first quarter and never looked back. Phoenix had scoring drought of more than five minutes, allowing the Lynx to flip a 5-3 deficit into a 20-5 lead.

The Mercury cut the deficit to nine, 46-37, at halftime, but that Minnesota lead grew to as large as 21 in the third quarter and was 71-52 entering the fourth. Phoenix got back within 12 twice in the fourth, but Minnesota’s advantage was too much to overcome. 

Diana Taurasi and Sophie Cunningham scored 16 points apiece to lead Phoenix (16-16). Kahleah Copper added 13 points, Natasha Cloud scored 12 with eight assists and Brittney Griner scored 10 points on 3 of 12 shooting.

FEVER 84, SUN 80

INDIANAPOLIS — Kelsey Mitchell scored 23 points, Caitlin Clark had 19 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Indiana beat Connecticut to snap an 11-game losing streak in the series.

It was Indiana’s first win against Connecticut since July 3, 2021.

Neither team led by double figures in a game where Clark set a WNBA rookie record for made 3-pointers, passing Rhyne Howard’s 85 in 2022, with a triple in the first quarter. Clark added two more 3-pointers before finishing 3 of 12, giving her 88 on the season.

With Indiana leading 82-80, Clark had a long 3-pointer rattle out and Connecticut called a timeout with 38.6 seconds left. Marina Mabrey worked the clock down before passing it to Alyssa Thomas, who had it stolen by Indiana’s Temi Fagbenle with 24.1 remaining.

Lexie Hull, a 76 per cent free-throw shooter, made two free throws with 19.4 seconds left to give Indiana a four-point lead. DiJonai Carrington was short on a 3-point attempt and Clark grabbed the rebound before running out the clock.

MYSTICS 74, SKY 70

CHICAGO — Stefanie Dolson scored 17 points and Ariel Atkins added 15 points and five assists to help Washington beat Chicago. 

Washington (9-22) has won three consecutive games — including a 74-72 win over the Storm in Seattle on Monday — for the first time this season. That winning streak comes on the heels of a five-game skid.

The Sky had a 68-61 lead with 4:38 to play, but the Mystics rallied and closed the game on a 13-2 run to clinch their first three-game winning streak since last June.

After falling behind by seven, an Aaliyah Edwards putback off a miss by Brittney Sykes sparked an 11-0 run that gave Washington a 72-68 lead with 1:01 left.

Chicago’s Kamilla Cardoso snapped a scoring drought of nearly four minutes with a basket to make it 72-70 with 51.1 seconds to play, but the Sky (11-19) would not score again. 

STORM 85, DREAM 81

SEATTLE — Jewell Loyd scored 28 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 23.1 seconds left, and Seattle rallied past Atlanta despite veteran Tina Charles becoming the 18th player in WNBA history to record a triple-double. 

Seattle (19-11) trailed 81-77 with 1:40 remaining but a bucket from Nneka Ogwumike and Loyd’s clutch triple and subsequent free throws allowed the Storm to pull out the victory.

Atlanta guard Allisha Gray had it stripped away by Skylar Diggins-Smith and Seattle forward Ezi Magbegor secured the loose ball before calling a timeout with 28.1 seconds left. Loyd curled around a high screen and sank the open 3-pointer to give Seattle an 83-81 lead.

SPARKS 94, LIBERTY 88

LOS ANGELES — Dearica Hamby scored 21 points, rookie Rickea Jackson added 19 and last-place Los Angeles beat the WNBA-leading New York to snap a seven-game losing streak.

Rae Burrell made 7 of 8 from the field, 3 of 3 from 3-point range, and tied her season-high with 18 points for the Sparks (7-24). Odyssey Sims added 14 points and seven assists and Azurá Stevens scored 10.

New York (26-5) has lost two of its last three games following an eight-game winning streak and is just 2 1/2 games ahead of the Minnesota Lynx — who have won seven straight — for the best record in the league.

The Minnesota Lynx continued their winning ways as they defeated the Phoenix Mercury in a thrilling game, extending their winning streak to seven games. The Lynx came out strong from the start, playing with intensity and determination to secure the victory.

The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading baskets and playing tough defense. The Lynx were led by their star players, including Sylvia Fowles who dominated in the paint with her scoring and rebounding. Fowles finished the game with a double-double, showcasing her versatility and impact on both ends of the court.

The Lynx also received strong contributions from their supporting cast, with players like Napheesa Collier and Crystal Dangerfield stepping up and making key plays when needed. The team’s chemistry and cohesion were evident throughout the game, as they worked together seamlessly to outplay the Mercury.

On the other side, the Phoenix Mercury put up a valiant effort, led by their own star players such as Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Taurasi displayed her scoring prowess, knocking down shots from beyond the arc and keeping her team in the game. Griner was a force in the paint, using her size and skill to score inside and protect the rim.

Despite the Mercury’s best efforts, the Lynx proved to be too much to handle as they pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure the win. The victory not only extended their winning streak but also solidified their position as one of the top teams in the league.

As the Lynx look to continue their winning ways, they will need to stay focused and continue to play at a high level. With their depth, talent, and determination, they have all the makings of a championship contender. Fans can expect more exciting games and impressive performances from the Lynx as they look to make a deep playoff run.