Minnesota Lynx defeat Washington Mystics 74-67 with strong performances from Williams and McBride
- Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride scored 17 points each to lead Minnesota Lynx to a 74-67 victory over Washington Mystics.
- The Mystics played without Napheesa Collier, a three-time All-Star, in the game.
- The Lynx showcased a strong team effort to secure the win in a competitive game.
In a thrilling WNBA matchup, the Minnesota Lynx emerged victorious over the Washington Mystics with a final score of 74-67 in Minneapolis. Despite missing star player Napheesa Collier due to an injury, Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride stepped up, each scoring 17 points to secure the win for the Lynx. Collier, who leads the team with impressive averages of 20 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, was sidelined after aggravating plantar fasciitis in her left foot during a previous game against the Connecticut Sun. The game saw a competitive back-and-forth, with Jade Melbourne's layup narrowing Washington's deficit to 67-64 with just under six minutes remaining. However, the Mystics struggled to convert their shots, making only 1 of 10 attempts and committing crucial turnovers down the stretch. Bridget Carleton's timely 3-pointer further solidified Minnesota's lead, ensuring a two-possession advantage for the Lynx. The victory was a much-needed rebound for Minnesota, who had suffered consecutive losses to top WNBA teams New York Liberty and Connecticut. Ariel Atkins and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough led the scoring for the Mystics with 15 points each, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Lynx. Washington, currently struggling with a 5-17 record, faced challenges throughout the game, including a strong defensive performance by Minnesota that forced turnovers and limited their scoring opportunities. Despite some momentum swings, the Lynx maintained control early on, building a significant lead in the first quarter and ultimately securing the win with a solid team effort. The victory for the Lynx improves their season record to 15-6, showcasing their resilience and depth in the absence of key players. With standout performances from Williams, McBride, and Carleton, Minnesota demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity and secure important wins in the competitive WNBA landscape. Meanwhile, the Mystics continue to face struggles as they aim to turn their season around and climb up the standings in pursuit of more victories.