Napheesa Collier delivered an impressive performance, scoring 26 points, with nine coming in the crucial third quarter as the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Indiana Fever 99-88 on Friday night. Bridget Carleton’s timely 3-pointers in the finals minutes proved to be game-changers, ending Indiana’s five-game winning streak despite Caitlin Clark’s 25-point effort.
Trailing 50-45 at halftime, the Lynx surged ahead in the third quarter, with Collier contributing significantly to their 65-57 lead by scoring nine points. Carleton’s defensive block on Clark followed by a jumper from Courtney Williams extended Minnesota’s lead to 70-60, eventually reaching a 13-point advantage after Myisha Hines-Allen’s three points.
Although Indiana made just three field goals in the third quarter, they staged a comeback early in the fourth with three quick baskets. The Fever narrowed the gap to 81-80 before Carleton’s clutch 3-pointers helped the Lynx regain control, ultimately securing the win with a 96-85 lead.
Clark, who recently achieved her second career triple-double, continued to shine for Indiana with a remarkable record-breaking season, making her the franchise leader for made 3-pointers in a single season. Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston also made significant contributions, adding 23 and 20 points respectively for the Fever.
On the Lynx side, Carleton stood out with 16 points, complemented by Williams’ 15 points and Collier’s double-double performance with 10 rebounds. Carleton’s 3-pointer at the end of the first half and the Lynx’s strong start in the third quarter were pivotal moments in the game, leading to their eventual victory.
