Kayla McBride contributed 19 points, including three 3-pointers, leading the Minnesota Lynx to an 89-76 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday night, extending their winning streak to seven games. Courtney Williams added 16 points and five assists, Napheesa Collier had 12 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Myisha Hines-Allen chipped in with 11 points for Minnesota, which improved to a 23-8 record. Bridget Carleton also made significant contributions with nine points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
In the first quarter, the Lynx dominated with a 17-0 run, turning a 5-3 deficit into a commanding 20-5 lead as Phoenix struggled to score for over five minutes. Despite the Mercury cutting the lead to nine points by halftime, Minnesota’s lead expanded to as much as 21 in the third quarter, entering the final quarter with a 71-52 advantage. Phoenix made efforts to reduce the gap in the fourth quarter, narrowing it to 12 on two occasions, but Minnesota’s lead proved insurmountable.
For the Phoenix Mercury, Diana Taurasi and Sophie Cunningham each scored 16 points, while Kahleah Copper added 13 points. Natasha Cloud contributed 12 points along with eight assists, and Brittney Griner scored 10 points on 3 of 12 shooting.
After this victory, the Minnesota Lynx are now half a game ahead of Connecticut for the second-best record in the WNBA. This win solidifies the Lynx’s position as a strong contender in the league, showcasing their offensive prowess and ability to maintain a winning streak amidst tough competition.