MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A strong performance from Napheesa Collier led the Minnesota Lynx to a victory over the Las Vegas Aces with a final score of 87-74 on Friday night.
Currently at 21-8, Minnesota has secured five consecutive wins and is leading the Western Conference standings, placing them two games ahead of the Seattle Storm. The Lynx have now won three games in a row against the two-time defending WNBA champions, the Aces.
Collier had an impressive game, scoring 27 points and grabbing a career-high 18 rebounds. She shot 11 of 15 from the field, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc, and added five assists and two steals. Alanna Smith scored 15 points, while Courtney Williams, Natisha Hiedeman, and Kayla McBride contributed 13, 12, and 12 points respectively. Williams had to leave the game due to a non-contact injury in the fourth quarter and did not return.
In the second half, Collier’s layup and mid-range jumper helped give the Lynx a one-point lead at halftime. Minnesota then scored 22 out of the first 28 points in the second half, extending their lead to 62-45 and maintaining at least a two-possession advantage for the rest of the game.
Although Las Vegas attempted to make a comeback, with Jackie Young scoring free throws and A’ja Wilson leading the team with 24 points, the Lynx held on to secure the victory. The Aces have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games since returning from the Paris Olympics break.
The Lynx’s victory marks their fourth win in five meetings against the Aces this season, following a 98-87 road win on Wednesday.
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