On June 21, the Minnesota Lynx showcased their elite form once again, securing an 82–66 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks at Target Center. The win marked their 12th of the season—improving their league-best record to 12–1—and reinforced their status as the WNBA’s most balanced and resilient team, even in the absence of star forward Napheesa Collier.
The game began as a closely contested battle, with the Sparks keeping pace and trailing by just three points (57–54) entering the final quarter. But Minnesota seized control with a commanding 25–12 fourth-quarter run, sparked by a scoring explosion from veteran guard Kayla McBride. McBride finished with 29 points, 15 of which came in the final period, punctuated by clutch three-point shooting and relentless offensive pressure.
Courtney Williams, another key piece in Minnesota’s backcourt, added 18 points and six assists. The duo combined for seven three-pointers, helping the Lynx outpace the Sparks from the perimeter. Bench player Maria Kliundikova also contributed timely plays, reinforcing the depth that has defined Minnesota’s season so far.
On the other side, Kelsey Plum led the Sparks with 15 points, but Los Angeles struggled to match Minnesota’s energy late in the game. With the Sparks falling to 4–10, the loss highlighted the challenges of containing the Lynx’s offensive versatility and tenacious defense.
The most notable aspect of Minnesota’s win was the absence of MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, who missed the game due to a lingering back injury. Collier’s leadership and all-around play have been central to the Lynx’s dominant season, but Saturday’s performance illustrated that the team is far from a one-star show. The Lynx previously demonstrated similar depth on May 30, defeating Phoenix handily without Collier, a testament to their adaptable roster and disciplined coaching.
Under the guidance of head coach Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx have developed a cohesive system that thrives on spacing, ball movement, and defensive intensity. Their ability to close tight games and rally in late quarters is becoming a signature strength, making them early favorites in the race for the WNBA championship.
Minnesota now turns its attention to a road matchup against the Washington Mystics on June 24. With Collier’s status still uncertain, the team may once again rely on McBride and Williams to carry the offensive load. If their recent form is any indication, the Lynx are more than prepared for the challenge.
As the midseason point approaches, Minnesota leads the Western Conference comfortably, ahead of the Phoenix Mercury (11–4) and Seattle Storm (8–5). With just one loss, the Lynx also hold the overall top spot in the WNBA standings, positioning themselves not only for playoff dominance but also as serious contenders for the Commissioner’s Cup.
Their continued success—especially in games where stars are sidelined—demonstrates a championship-caliber resolve and a depth that few teams in the league can match. If the Lynx maintain this trajectory, 2025 could mark a return to the franchise’s glory days.~~