ARLINGTON, Texas — Napheesa Collier delivered an outstanding performance, amassing 28 points and 10 rebounds, as Kayla McBride hit six 3-pointers to tally 21 points, leading the Minnesota Lynx to an 81-65 triumph over the Dallas Wings on Sunday. With this victory, the Lynx extended their unbeaten run at the start of the season to nine games.
The Lynx, boasting a 9-0 record, are experiencing their fourth-best start in the history of the WNBA, having previously set a league milestone with a 13-game winning streak to begin the 2016 season. Collier showcased her versatility by shooting 10 of 19 from the field, including 3 of 6 from beyond the arc, while also contributing four assists, four steals, and three blocks.
McBride’s accuracy from long range was evident early on, as she sunk a deep 3-pointer roughly two and a half minutes into the game, pushing the Lynx ahead 5-2, a lead they maintained for the rest of the match. In contrast, Arike Ogunbowale matched McBride’s six 3-pointers as she led Dallas with 26 points, while Maddy Siegrist added 15 points to the Wings’ effort. Rookie Paige Bueckers was absent for a fourth consecutive game because of illness. Initially sidelined due to the WNBA’s concussion protocol, she received clearance just before the game began.
The Wings managed a significant comeback, with Siegrist making a last-second layup in the third quarter to complete a 17-4 spurt, closing Dallas’ gap to 57-56. Nonetheless, Collier quickly shifted the momentum back with a 3-pointer followed by a mid-range jumper at the start of the fourth quarter, ensuring the Wings could not close the gap further.
Natisha Hiedeman contributed to Minnesota’s buffer by striking a 3-pointer with 2:24 left on the clock, expanding the Lynx lead to 77-62. The Lynx concluded the game with 13 successful 3-point shots, and showcased efficient team play with 25 assists on 29 field goals, while securing 12 steals and keeping turnovers to just six. This game handed the Wings their fifth consecutive defeat.
In their upcoming games, the Lynx will travel to Seattle to face the Storm, and Dallas is set to visit Phoenix on Wednesday.