The Minnesota Lynx delivered an impressive win Tuesday night, defeating the two-time defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces 100-86. Despite the significant victory over the defending titleholders, the Lynx remain focused on continuous improvement.
After the game, Minnesota center Alanna Smith highlighted the team’s mindset.
“There's always room for improvement,” Smith said, as reported by Kent Youngblood of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “We're never going to settle.”
Smith's sentiment reflects the team’s larger commitment to excellence, even after a game where they set season highs in several categories, including points in regulation, assists (34), three-point makes (15), three-point percentage (55.6%) and field goals made (37).
The Lynx's balanced attack saw all five starters scoring in double figures, ranging from Smith's 18 points to Napheesa Collier's 14. Courtney Williams contributed with 15 points, nine assists, two steals and just one turnover. Bridget Carleton was particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 5-of-7 three-pointers and scoring 15 points. The team’s unselfish play was evident as they assisted on all but three of their 37 field goals.
“I think anytime we can come out and beat the defending champions, that's good for our résumé,” Williams said.
The win improved Minnesota's record to 9-3, marking their second straight win and fifth in six games. The Lynx also finished 4-1 in Commissioner's Cup play, positioning them to potentially face the New York Liberty in the Cup final, depending on the outcomes of other games.
Coach Cheryl Reeve attributes the Lynx's core values – chemistry and selflessness – as part of the reasons behind their recent successes.
“That kind of comes naturally to them,” Reeve said. “It's at the core of who they are, to be selfless. As a team we have that, by design.”
Minnesota Lynx make WNBA history
The Lynx also became the first team in WNBA history to have all five starters score at least 14 points, grab at least four rebounds, and make at least one three-pointer in a game. Additionally, each starter recorded at least one assist, with Williams leading the way with nine, followed by Kayla McBride with eight and Collier with six.
The game did not start smoothly for Minnesota. They fell behind 10-2 early and had to cope with Collier sitting on the bench with two fouls just four minutes into the game. However, the Lynx recovered, shooting nearly 65% in the first quarter and finishing with a narrow 31-29 deficit. They then dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Aces 30-17 to take a commanding 59-48 halftime lead.
Tensions flared in the second half, particularly between Natisha Hiedeman and the Aces' Kelsey Plum. Despite a late push by Las Vegas, which included a 12-3 run in the fourth quarter, the Lynx maintained their composure and sealed the victory.
Las Vegas, now with a 5-5 record, struggled despite a strong performance from A'ja Wilson, who scored 28 points. The Aces have now lost three straight games, marking their worst 10-game start to a season since 2018.
Reeve reflected on the team's performance and the significance of the win.
“This is a good showing in terms of how we felt about the game in Minneapolis,” Reeve said. “Their physicality bothered us in Minny. Tonight, we found our way with that.”
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