Cardoso’s Career-High Lifts Sky Over Sparks in Stunning 97–86 Comeback Victory

SAN FRANCISCO — In a game that saw shifts in momentum, defensive grit, and individual brilliance, the Las Vegas Aces emerged with a 78–72 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night at Ballhalla . A’ja Wilson was the centerpiece of the win, delivering 27 points, 7 rebounds, and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line, cementing her status as one of the most reliable clutch performers in the league. A Fast Start, Followed by Valkyries Pushback Las Vegas came out aggressive, opening on an 8–3 run that set the tone for the first quarter. Wilson and NaLyssa Smith powered the early offense, combining for 12 points in the frame. But the Valkyries weren’t going away quietly — Janelle Salaün and Temi Fágbénlé helped Golden State close the gap, scoring the final five points of the quarter to trail just 16–14. The second quarter belonged to the Valkyries early. Carrying momentum from the first, Golden State strung together a 14–0 run that spanned the quarter break, taking a 23–16 lead. The surge included points from the free-throw line and opportunistic transition plays. The Aces’ offense stalled for over five minutes until Jackie Young broke through with a midrange jumper. That shot sparked a Las Vegas rally — Young herself scoring seven points during a 13–4 response that regained the lead. From there, the Aces executed a 9–0 burst to seize control, heading into halftime with a 43–38 advantage. Wilson’s Dominance and Late-Quarter Surge The third quarter began with the Valkyries refusing to fold, matching Las Vegas bucket for bucket. At the 6:48 mark, Golden State had tied the game at 48–48, capitalizing on aggressive defense and quick passing. But Wilson once again took over, scoring all five Aces points in the early minutes of the quarter and leading a decisive 10–2 run that put Las Vegas ahead 58–50. By the end of the third, the Aces held a 64–54 lead, thanks in part to perfect free-throw shooting from both teams in the period. Wilson tallied seven points in the frame, while Salaün continued to fight for Golden State with five points of her own. Valkyries’ Late Rally Falls Short Golden State refused to fade, opening the fourth quarter on a 9–2 push to close the gap to 64–60. The Aces endured a near four-minute scoring drought before Jewell Loyd stepped up with a midrange jumper. That shot sparked enough offense to keep the Valkyries at bay, with Las Vegas relying on Wilson’s flawless free-throw shooting to seal the deal in the closing minutes. Wilson scored six points in the final frame — all from the charity stripe. Tiffany Hayes led Golden State’s effort with 14 points and 9 rebounds, while Salaün contributed 13 points. Despite their fight, the Valkyries could not overcome turnovers and missed opportunities from three-point range, finishing just 4-of-22 (.182) from deep. Statistical Breakdown The Aces shot 45% from the field (27-of-60) and struggled from beyond the arc at just 18.5% (5-of-27). The Valkyries hit 39.7% of their shots (25-of-63) but similarly faltered from long range. Both teams secured 31 rebounds, with nine offensive boards apiece. Las Vegas committed 16 turnovers but limited the damage to just seven points off those miscues. Conversely, they capitalized on Golden State’s 13 turnovers for eight points. The Aces held a slim 9–6 edge in both second-chance points and fast-break scoring, though the Valkyries outscored them in the paint, 34–32. There were four lead changes and five ties, but neither team led by more than 10 points. Milestone Night for Wilson With her two blocks in the game, A’ja Wilson became just the fourth player in WNBA history to record at least 5,000 points, 2,000 rebounds, 500 assists, 500 blocks, and 300 steals. At 28 years and 363 days old, she is the youngest to achieve the feat, surpassing Candace Parker’s previous mark. Wilson also reached the milestone faster than any player before her, doing so in just 253 games. Looking Ahead The win moved the Aces to 16–14 on the season, while the Valkyries dropped to 14–15. Las Vegas will return home for a crucial three-game stretch, starting with a matchup against the Seattle Storm. Golden State will look to regroup and keep their playoff hopes alive in their next contest.

First-Half Battle Sets Defensive Tone The Dallas Wings earned a gritty 76–72 victory over the New York Liberty in a tightly contested game that showcased elite defense and timely scoring. From the opening tip, both teams displayed physicality in the paint and aggressive perimeter pressure. The Wings were determined to bounce back after their last loss, and they showed that urgency in their effort from the start. The first quarter opened with a flurry of blocked shots and contested rebounds, with neither team able to gain a significant edge. Dallas relied heavily on its frontcourt to establish control early, as Teaira McCowan and Natasha Howard combined to limit the Liberty's second-chance opportunities. Sabrina Ionescu led the early scoring charge for New York, hitting two long-range threes to counter Dallas’s strong inside presence. By the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 19–19. Both teams shot under 40% from the field, with defenses collapsing quickly to close off driving lanes. Wings Adjust and Take Control In the second quarter, Dallas began finding cracks in New York’s defensive scheme. Arike Ogunbowale picked up momentum with a pair of pull-up jumpers and a deep three-pointer that electrified the home crowd. Crystal Dangerfield provided a stabilizing presence at point guard, navigating through Liberty traps and facilitating timely passes to open shooters. New York, however, remained resilient. Jonquel Jones asserted herself in the post, scoring back-to-back buckets to keep the Liberty within striking distance. Breanna Stewart, though limited early by foul trouble, returned in the second quarter and helped slow down Ogunbowale’s scoring run. Despite that, the Wings entered halftime with a narrow 38–34 advantage. Their ability to out-rebound New York 22–16 in the first half gave them more possessions and set the stage for a physical second half. Third Quarter Momentum Shifts The Liberty opened the third quarter with renewed energy, quickly going on a 9–2 run to reclaim the lead. Stewart began to heat up, sinking a three from the wing and following it up with a strong drive to the basket. Ionescu continued to stretch Dallas’s defense with her range, forcing the Wings to extend their perimeter coverage. Dallas responded by tightening up defensively. Satou Sabally and Howard combined for three steals during a two-minute stretch that fueled a Dallas scoring burst. McCowan re-established her presence in the paint, grabbing key offensive rebounds and finishing through contact. Ogunbowale ended the quarter with a buzzer-beating step-back three that put the Wings up 58–55. Final Frame: Closing Strong The fourth quarter saw both teams trade baskets and defensive stops. With less than five minutes remaining, the game was tied at 67. Jones hit a hook shot in the lane, and Stewart added a pair of free throws to give New York a brief lead. But the Wings responded with a clutch 7–0 run fueled by Ogunbowale’s fearless attacking. A key possession came with just under two minutes left: after a missed jumper by Stewart, Sabally raced down the court for a transition layup, drawing a foul and converting the three-point play. New York had one final opportunity to tie the game with 11 seconds left, trailing 74–72. Ionescu’s contested three-point attempt fell short, and McCowan secured the rebound and was fouled immediately. She calmly sank both free throws to seal the win for Dallas. Statistical Highlights The Dallas Wings finished the game shooting 42% from the field, while the Liberty managed 40%. Dallas held a slight edge on the boards, out-rebounding New York 39–35, and committed just 11 turnovers to the Liberty’s 14. Their advantage in points in the paint (36–30) proved critical in a game where outside shooting was inconsistent for both squads. Arike Ogunbowale led all scorers with 25 points, including four three-pointers and several key fourth-quarter baskets. Teaira McCowan added 14 points and 11 rebounds, notching a double-double in one of her most impactful games of the season. Satou Sabally chipped in 13 points and six rebounds. For New York, Jonquel Jones tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Sabrina Ionescu contributed 16 points, five assists, and three steals. Breanna Stewart finished with 12 points and seven boards, but foul trouble limited her minutes in the second and third quarters. Looking Ahead This win improves Dallas’s standing in the playoff race and gives them momentum heading into a challenging road trip. The team showed composure and execution under pressure — signs of a squad capable of making a deep run. Meanwhile, the Liberty will look to regroup and address the defensive lapses that allowed Dallas to pull away late. With postseason aspirations in clear view, every possession will matter as the season enters its final stretch. 

Howard and Boston Shine as Fever Keep Playoff Momentum Alive SEATTLE, WA — The Indiana Fever continued their impressive surge in the WNBA standings with a gritty 78–74 win over the Seattle Storm on Sunday afternoon at Climate Pledge Arena. The victory marks Indiana's fifth consecutive win, solidifying their claim on the fifth seed in the playoff picture and establishing a sense of urgency for postseason contenders across the league. With star guard Caitlin Clark still sidelined for the seventh straight game, the Fever leaned on the dynamic duo of Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston to control the tempo and close out the contest against a persistent Seattle squad. Howard finished with a team-high 21 points, while Boston tallied her sixth straight double-double, notching 16 points and 12 rebounds. First Half Surge Sets the Tone The Fever took an early lead and maintained control throughout much of the contest, using their defensive pressure and timely shooting to edge ahead in a back-and-forth first half. Indiana held a narrow 19–16 lead after the opening quarter, with early offensive sparks from Howard and Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham, who has stepped up in a starting role during Clark’s absence, chipped in five points in the opening frame and proved crucial throughout the night. In the second quarter, the Fever extended their advantage thanks to a balanced scoring attack. Damiris Dantas added key points off the bench, while Howard and Cunningham continued their rhythm from beyond the arc. A brief 8–0 run pushed Indiana’s lead to double digits before the Storm clawed back slightly to make it 42–34 at halftime. Cunningham Stays Hot Sophie Cunningham turned in a standout performance, hitting four of her first four attempts from beyond the arc. Her shooting helped ignite momentum during critical stretches, particularly in the third quarter. Cunningham finished the game with a season-high 17 points, making efficient use of her touches with 3-of-3 shooting from the field in the first half and 2-of-2 from long range. Her fourth three-pointer of the game extended Indiana’s lead to 13 late in the third period and drew a timeout from a frustrated Seattle bench. Cunningham’s consistent play since joining the starting lineup has added scoring depth to a Fever team adapting without Clark. Storm Fight Back Late Despite being down by as much as 13 in the second half, Seattle mounted a fierce comeback in the final minutes. The Storm used second-chance opportunities and tight on-ball defense to chip away at Indiana’s lead, eventually pulling within 73–72 with just over three minutes remaining. Skylar Diggins, who tallied 13 points for the Storm, capped an 11–0 run with a tough finish inside the paint, but the Fever responded when it mattered most. Kelsey Mitchell broke Indiana’s scoring drought with a critical mid-range jumper to put the team back up by three. Following missed attempts from Seattle—including four consecutive three-point tries in one possession—Mitchell added a layup with 8.1 seconds remaining to give the Fever breathing room. A free throw from Boston sealed the 78–74 victory. Career Milestone for Boston Aliyah Boston’s performance was not only crucial in securing the win but also historic. Her 12 rebounds on Sunday brought her career total to 932, moving her past Tammy Sutton-Brown for fourth all-time in Fever franchise history. The mark was reached in just 109 games—underscoring Boston’s rapid rise as one of the league’s elite post players. This double-double was Boston’s 14th of the season and 38th of her career. Only four other players—A’ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas, Angel Reese, and Breanna Stewart—have recorded more double-doubles since Boston entered the WNBA in 2023. McDonald, Defense Make an Impact Aari McDonald quietly delivered one of her best performances of the season, posting a season-high nine assists—just one shy of her career-best. She anchored the defensive effort, helping the Fever stifle Seattle’s late-game perimeter attempts. Meanwhile, the Fever committed just nine turnovers to Seattle’s 15, a key stat that helped them stay composed even as the Storm attempted a comeback. What's Next for Indiana Now sitting at 17–12, the Fever are on a roll heading into the next phase of their West Coast road trip. Indiana will travel to Los Angeles to face the Sparks on Tuesday night before heading to Phoenix for a matchup with the Mercury. Both games hold significant playoff seeding implications as the regular season winds down. With the return of Caitlin Clark still uncertain, the Fever are proving they have the depth and resilience to compete with the league’s best. Whether it’s Boston’s dominance in the paint or Cunningham’s resurgence from deep, Indiana’s confidence and chemistry appear to be peaking at just the right time.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Atlanta Dream delivered a commanding performance on the road Sunday afternoon, overpowering the Washington Mystics 99–83 at the Entertainment and Sports Arena. Led by Rhyne Howard’s explosive scoring and a dominant second half, the Dream captured their third consecutive win while handing the Mystics another frustrating defeat. Dream Start and Early Mystics Resistance The first half was competitive, with the Mystics matching Atlanta’s energy through physical play and timely baskets. Kiki Iriafen provided Washington with a much-needed spark on both ends of the court. She fought hard in the paint, posting 22 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, helping the Mystics keep pace throughout the early going. The Dream, however, showed signs of control even before the break. Cheyenne Parker and Allisha Gray contributed steady offensive production, while Atlanta’s ball movement kept the Mystics’ defense scrambling. By halftime, the Dream had already hinted at their depth and momentum, though the lead remained within striking distance for Washington. Howard Heats Up in Second Half Coming out of the locker room, the Dream erupted. Rhyne Howard took full command of the offense, knocking down jumpers from the perimeter and slashing to the basket with poise. Her scoring outburst in the third quarter changed the tone of the game entirely, as she finished with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Howard’s performance set the pace, and the rest of her team followed suit. Atlanta’s offense looked nearly unstoppable in the second half, piling up 54 points after scoring 45 in the first. Washington simply couldn’t keep up with the tempo, struggling with shot selection and inconsistent spacing. Their 34 second-half points paled in comparison as Atlanta’s defense tightened and limited quality looks. The Game Shifts with Transition Play and Ball Security One of the defining aspects of the game was Atlanta’s ability to capitalize on transition opportunities while maintaining composure with the ball. The Dream turned defense into offense, running the floor with speed and precision. Washington, by contrast, committed 15 turnovers—many of which led directly to Dream scoring chances. The Dream were disciplined and sharp, turning the ball over only 9 times all game. Their patience in half-court sets and their control of tempo made it difficult for the Mystics to generate momentum. Atlanta’s defensive rebounding also played a key role in limiting Washington’s second-chance opportunities. Key Team Stats Define the Outcome Statistically, the Dream’s all-around dominance became clear as the game progressed. Atlanta out-rebounded Washington 38 to 34, gaining critical possession advantages down the stretch. The Dream also out-assisted the Mystics 21 to 16, highlighting their commitment to sharing the ball and creating open looks. While Iriafen was the bright spot for Washington, the Mystics lacked balance on offense. Brittney Sykes and Ariel Atkins struggled to find rhythm, and the team leaned too heavily on isolation plays when their sets broke down. Late Push Not Enough for the Mystics The fourth quarter saw a brief surge from the Mystics, who cut the deficit to 10 points with under six minutes to play. But any hope of a comeback was quickly extinguished by Atlanta’s discipline and shot-making. Gray and Naz Hillmon converted clutch buckets, while Howard closed the door with a smooth mid-range jumper that pushed the lead back to 16. The Mystics' inability to close out possessions or stop dribble penetration allowed the Dream to coast to victory in the final minutes. Their effort remained, but execution lagged behind a faster, sharper Atlanta team. What This Win Means Atlanta’s road win sends a strong message to the rest of the league. With Howard playing at an elite level and key role players stepping up, the Dream look poised to make a serious postseason push. Their combination of scoring talent, rebounding effort, and defensive focus gives them a well-rounded identity. For Washington, the loss highlights ongoing concerns about depth and late-game execution. While Iriafen’s individual performance was promising, the team’s cohesion faltered when it mattered most. With the regular season pushing toward its final stretch, both teams face critical tests ahead. Atlanta will look to maintain its momentum in their upcoming matchup, while the Mystics must regroup and find answers quickly if they hope to climb back into playoff contention.

Liberty Overcome Adversity With Strong Team Effort The New York Liberty emerged victorious in a critical road matchup, defeating the Connecticut Sun 87–78 on Sunday. The win ended a difficult four-game losing streak and reignited the team's momentum in the latter stretch of the WNBA regular season. Despite missing key players due to injury, the Liberty found rhythm behind Sabrina Ionescu’s stellar performance and the much-anticipated return of forward Emma Meesseman. Early Momentum Sparks Confidence From the opening tip, New York showed renewed focus. The Liberty quickly established an offensive rhythm, led by Ionescu, who scored 16 of the team’s first 20 points. The first quarter ended with New York ahead 25–19, a lead they would never relinquish. Connecticut attempted to keep pace, but the Liberty’s pace and ball movement were too sharp early on. Jonquel Jones, playing in her former home arena, provided strong interior scoring to complement Ionescu’s perimeter assault. The Liberty maintained their lead in the second quarter. Jones added 13 points in the first half, while Ionescu pushed her total to 20 by halftime. New York entered the break with a 45–38 advantage. Connecticut remained competitive thanks to Tina Charles’ scoring inside and Aneesah Morrow’s versatility, but the Sun lacked the defensive consistency to slow down New York’s well-rounded offense. Meesseman’s Return Bolsters Depth A major storyline for the Liberty was the return of Emma Meesseman, who had not played in the WNBA since 2022. Making her season debut, the Belgian forward added a new dimension to New York’s rotation. Though she was initially expected to play limited minutes, her impact was immediate in the second half. Her high basketball IQ and seamless integration into the team’s offensive flow allowed the Liberty to exploit matchups and maintain control of the game. Meesseman scored all 11 of her points in the second half, playing a pivotal role in stabilizing the team during key stretches. Her ability to contribute in short bursts added much-needed frontcourt depth, especially with Breanna Stewart still sidelined by a knee bruise and Nyara Sabally continuing her recovery. Ionescu’s Dominance Defines the Game The centerpiece of New York’s performance was Sabrina Ionescu. Her offensive efficiency and aggressive drives set the tone for the game. Despite making just one three-pointer, she finished with 36 points on 13-of-19 shooting inside the arc. Ionescu also recorded 11 rebounds and four assists, cementing her reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. Throughout the game, Ionescu’s scoring touch, rebounding, and leadership kept Connecticut at bay. Whether pushing the ball in transition or navigating the half-court offense, she executed with poise and confidence, particularly in the third quarter when New York created a double-digit cushion. Liberty Close Out With Composure As the fourth quarter began, the Liberty stretched their lead to 15, their largest of the game. Connecticut made a late push, cutting into the deficit with a flurry of buckets from Charles and Morrow. However, New York’s defense held strong down the stretch. Meesseman and Jones executed well in two-player actions, and Ionescu maintained control of the game’s tempo. Despite a few turnovers that momentarily shifted momentum, the Liberty never lost command. The game concluded with an 87–78 win, a crucial result that helps New York stay ahead of the Atlanta Dream in the standings. Statistical Breakdown New York finished with three players in double figures: Ionescu (36), Jones (21), and Meesseman (11). The Liberty shot 47.5% from the field and controlled the glass throughout the contest. Defensively, they limited the Sun to just nine made three-pointers combined and forced timely turnovers to halt Connecticut’s rallies. For the Sun, Tina Charles led the way with 17 points, followed by Aneesah Morrow with 16. Bria Hartley and Marina Mabrey added double-digit scoring efforts, but Connecticut struggled to match New York’s intensity in key stretches. Looking Ahead The win improves the Liberty’s record to 18–10 and restores confidence after a difficult stretch of losses. With Meesseman now in the rotation and Jonquel Jones back in form, New York appears poised for a late-season surge. They’ll look to carry this momentum into their next game against the Dallas Wings, a team that handed them a blowout loss earlier in the season. For the Sun, the defeat drops them to 5–22, and they’ll now prepare for a challenging matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. While the team has shown improvement since the beginning of the season, continued inconsistency on both ends remains a hurdle.

Dream Prevail in Down-to-the-Wire Finish The Atlanta Dream secured a dramatic 88–85 victory over the Dallas Wings in a closely contested battle on Tuesday night. Fueled by Naz Hillmon’s clutch performance in the final minutes, the Dream snapped a losing streak and delivered a critical win in front of an energized home crowd. With both teams seeking to improve their playoff positioning, the game was tightly fought from start to finish. Atlanta, determined to turn the page after a series of close defeats, leaned on a balanced offensive attack and key defensive stands. Meanwhile, the Wings, led by Arike Ogunbowale and Natasha Howard, showed grit and persistence throughout the game, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. First Half: Back-and-Forth Offense Sets the Tone The game opened with high energy from both sides. The Dream, in their classic white uniforms, pushed the pace early, finding success in transition. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard established rhythm quickly, scoring from the perimeter and slashing into the lane. Dallas, donning their black uniforms with vibrant blue and yellow-green trim, countered with Ogunbowale’s quick-trigger shooting and Sabally’s inside presence. The first quarter ended in a deadlock, with both teams shooting over 45% from the field. Atlanta’s bench provided an early boost with contributions from Haley Jones and Aari McDonald. Jones showcased her versatility, grabbing boards and making smart decisions in the open court. In the second quarter, Dallas attempted to pull away behind back-to-back threes from Teaira McCowan and Ogunbowale. However, Atlanta’s composure and ball movement kept them within striking distance. Cheyenne Parker delivered a strong presence in the post, drawing fouls and converting key free throws. At halftime, Dallas held a slim 45–43 lead, with Ogunbowale leading all scorers at the break with 15 points. Atlanta’s offense, while slightly streaky in the second frame, maintained momentum thanks to efficient shooting from midrange and the free-throw line. Third Quarter: Dream Find Momentum Atlanta stormed into the third quarter with renewed energy. Gray’s defensive pressure helped force a pair of early turnovers, which the Dream converted into fast-break buckets. Howard hit two three-pointers in the span of a minute, flipping the lead back in Atlanta’s favor. Dallas remained aggressive, leaning on Howard’s rebounding and McCowan’s post defense. Crystal Dangerfield added five points off the bench and kept the offense fluid for the Wings. But Atlanta’s perimeter defense improved significantly, limiting the Wings to just one three-pointer in the quarter. As the third period closed, the Dream had seized a narrow 67–64 lead, with both teams entering the fourth quarter knowing the game would come down to execution in the final possessions. Final Minutes: Hillmon Rises to the Moment The fourth quarter unfolded as a battle of wills. Every possession became more important, and the crowd’s intensity rose with each passing minute. Dallas briefly retook the lead midway through the period after Ogunbowale connected on a contested jumper, giving the Wings an 80–79 advantage. With under three minutes left, the Dream turned to Naz Hillmon. The second-year forward had been quiet offensively for most of the game but made her impact known at the most crucial juncture. After grabbing an offensive rebound, she powered through contact for a three-point play that tied the game at 82. On the next possession, she stole a cross-court pass and finished on the break, putting Atlanta ahead. In the final 40 seconds, Dallas had multiple chances to tie, but Hillmon blocked a driving attempt by Sabally and secured the rebound. Atlanta hit three of four free throws down the stretch, while Dallas could only manage a late three-pointer that cut the deficit to three. Key Performers and Final Stats Hillmon finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, but her late-game impact far exceeded the box score. Howard led all Dream scorers with 23 points and 5 assists, while Gray added 19 points and 7 rebounds. Parker chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds. Ogunbowale paced the Wings with 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting. Howard had 18 points and 9 rebounds, and McCowan added a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards. As a team, Atlanta shot 48.2% from the field, while Dallas hit at a 46.7% clip. The Dream also edged the Wings in fast-break points (14–9) and points in the paint (38–34), which ultimately proved decisive. What’s Next The Dream’s win was not just a thrilling finish—it was a confidence-builder. With key contributions from both starters and bench players, Atlanta showed the resilience they’ll need to climb the standings. Meanwhile, the Wings will need to regroup as they prepare for a back-to-back game against another playoff contender. Atlanta improves to 12–14 on the season, while Dallas drops to 13–13. As both teams push toward postseason contention, their ability to close games may be the deciding factor in how their seasons finish.

The Minnesota Lynx delivered a strong statement on Wednesday night by defeating the New York Liberty 100–93 at Target Center. In a rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals, the Lynx outlasted a shorthanded Liberty team to maintain their momentum atop the league standings. First Quarter: A Balanced Start from Both Teams The opening quarter offered fireworks on both ends of the floor. The Liberty, despite missing three key players — Breanna Stewart, Nyara Sabally, and Kennedy Burke — came out swinging. Sabrina Ionescu and Marine Johannes carried the offensive load early, leading to a fast-paced, high-efficiency attack. Ionescu facilitated crisp ball movement while Johannes found success with her outside shooting. Minnesota responded quickly through Alanna Smith’s work in the paint and Napheesa Collier’s steady presence. With the tempo surging on both ends, the first quarter closed evenly matched at 24–24. The Lynx showcased a well-rounded approach while New York leaned on transition scoring and sharp cuts to the basket. Collier Takes Over in the Second Quarter Minnesota’s offense took control in the second quarter, led by a scoring outburst from Napheesa Collier. The star forward scored 13 of her 19 first-half points in the period, slicing through New York’s interior defense with ease. Her combination of finesse around the rim and mid-range efficiency began to tilt momentum in Minnesota’s favor. As the Liberty struggled to protect the lane without Stewart, Minnesota capitalized with improved spacing and perimeter ball movement. Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams distributed the ball effectively, allowing the Lynx to expand their lead. By halftime, the Lynx had built a 51–42 advantage, holding the Liberty to just 18 points in the second quarter. Second Half Surge: Lynx Dominate from Deep The third quarter continued the trend of Lynx dominance. The team found its rhythm from beyond the arc, with McBride and Bridget Carleton hitting crucial three-pointers. Minnesota’s offense hit a new gear, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field for the game and knocking down a season-high 15 threes. Courtney Williams controlled the pace with her facilitation and rebounding, nearly securing a triple-double. Her ability to manage New York’s defensive pressure helped Minnesota avoid turnovers and maintain spacing. Jessica Shepard and Natisha Hiedeman added valuable minutes off the bench, allowing the Lynx to rotate freely and stay fresh in the second half. New York Rallies Late but Falls Short Despite the growing deficit, the Liberty made one last push in the final quarter. Ionescu caught fire again, scoring in bunches and cutting the Lynx lead to four with under two minutes to play. Isabelle Harrison chipped in with strong post play, and Johannes hit timely jumpers to keep the pressure on. However, Minnesota remained composed. Collier delivered a key bucket in the final minute, finishing a tough layup through contact to extend the lead to six. The Liberty were unable to recover from that blow, and Minnesota closed out the game at the free-throw line, securing the 100–93 victory. Final Stats and Standout Performers The Lynx shot an impressive 49.2% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range, hitting 15 triples as a team. They also shared the ball effectively with 29 assists, and their rebounding edge helped them keep possessions alive late in the game. Collier led all scorers with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks in a dominant all-around showing. McBride added 24 points, while Carleton contributed 12 on 4-of-6 shooting from long range. Williams posted 13 assists and nine rebounds in a near triple-double effort. The Liberty were led by Ionescu’s 31 points, while Harrison and Johannes scored 15 and 14, respectively. Without Stewart and key bench depth, the Liberty’s defense wore down under constant pressure from the Lynx attack. What’s Next for Both Teams With the win, Minnesota improves to 23–5 and solidifies their top-seed standing as the regular season enters its final stretch. The Lynx now prepare for a Western Conference clash against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in what could be a playoff preview. The Liberty fall to 17–9 and will aim to regroup quickly with back-to-back games against the Connecticut Sun looming. Their depth will be tested again unless their stars return to full health, but the team remains in strong playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.