Napheesa Collier guides Lynx past slumping Aces

Field Level Media|published: Wed 21st August, 23:47 2024

Sep 29, 2020; Bradenton, Florida, USA; A game ball waits on a sanitation cart during game 5 of the WNBA semifinals between the Connecticut Suns and the Las Vegas Aces at IMG Academy. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports

Napheesa Collier scored 23 points and Courtney Williams produced 22 points and 10 assists to boost the visiting Minnesota Lynx to a 98-87 win against the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday.

All five starters scored in double figures to help Minnesota (20-8) stretch its winning streak to four games.

Bridget Carleton put up 12 points, Kayla McBride chipped in 11 while Alanna Smith contributed 10 for the Lynx, who shot 59.4 percent from the floor.

Jackie Young drilled 6 of 8 3-point attempts on the way to a game-high 26 points for Las Vegas (17-10), which took its third loss in four games. Kelsey Plum added 20 points, while A'ja Wilson (15) and Tiffany Hayes (12) were next.

Wilson snagged a game-high nine rebounds and handed out a team-best six assists.

Collier and Williams had seven rebounds apiece. Williams logged a season high in points and matched her season best in assists.

The Lynx created a cushion with a 10-0 run midway through the second quarter that created a 43-33 lead. Five different players scored during the spurt, which was punctuated by a long pullup jumper from Williams.

Minnesota led by as many as 15 points, providing answers each time the Aces attempted to get back in the game.

Myisha Hines-Allen, acquired by the Lynx in a Tuesday trade with the Washington Mystics, finished with eight points in her team debut. Added to bolster the team's frontcourt depth, Hines-Allen seized an early opportunity to contribute as Smith was whistled for three first-half fouls.

Minnesota led 54-46 at halftime.

Collier navigated a pair of early fouls to lead the Lynx with 14 points at the break, while Williams followed with 10. The Lynx had 15 assists on 20 field goals before intermission.

Young paced all scorers with 15 first-half points, including a 3-for-4 effort from behind the arc. Wilson was next with nine points.

Minnesota took a 2-1 lead in the season series with Las Vegas. The visiting team has won all three meetings. The clubs will conclude a home-and-home set in Minneapolis on Friday night.

--Field Level Media