Lynx beat Aces 92-87 to clinch franchise-best 15th road win

The Minnesota Lynx, the WNBA's top team, secured a 92-87 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday night, improving their league-best record to 29-7. The win was particularly significant as it marked Minnesota's franchise-best 15th road victory of the season, a testament to their dominance away from home. Olivia Miles led the Lynx with 23 points and eight assists, while Napheesa Collier contributed 19 points, including a crucial deep three-pointer that gave Minnesota a seven-point lead with under seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Natasha Howard added a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Kayla McBride scored 13 points. Courtney Williams and Nia Coffey each chipped in 12 points, providing balanced scoring that proved too much for the Aces to overcome.

The Aces, who now stand at 24-12, were led by A'ja Wilson's game-high 32 points, along with 11-of-12 free-throw shooting and seven rebounds. NaLyssa Smith recorded 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Chelsea Gray dished out nine assists to go with her 12 points. Despite the loss, Las Vegas showed resilience, particularly in the first half, where they tied the score seven times in the final six minutes before heading into halftime at 48-48. Wilson and Smith were dominant in the paint during the first half, combining for 28 points on 13-of-18 shooting, which kept the Aces competitive.

The game turned in the third quarter when the Lynx went on an 8-0 run, sparked by three free throws from McBride, to take a 62-52 lead. From that point, Minnesota maintained control, though the Aces mounted a late challenge. Jewell Loyd's three-pointer cut the deficit to 86-82 with under three minutes remaining, and Wilson's free throws brought the Aces within four points at 88-84 with 1:09 left. However, Williams and Collier each converted two free throws in the final minute to seal the victory. The Aces also had a brief surge in the second quarter, scoring eight quick points on a banked three-pointer by Mai Yamamoto, a fast-break layup from Wilson, and a three-pointer by Jackie Young, which gave them a 33-31 lead. But the Lynx's consistent scoring and defensive stops down the stretch proved decisive.

This victory extends Minnesota's winning momentum as they prepare to face the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday. The Aces, meanwhile, will host the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday. The result also has implications for playoff positioning, as the Lynx continue to solidify their status as the league's top seed, while the Aces look to bounce back and secure a favorable postseason spot.