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A potential playoff preview emerged in Friday's Las Vegas Aces versus Minnesota Lynx matchup, featuring two of the league's top teams. Both teams entered the game with a 6-4 record in their last 10 games, each looking to improve their playoff positioning, but it was the Lynx who emerged victorious, winning 87-74.
The game started with A’ja Wilson winning the tip-off for the Aces, but it was Minnesota's Alanna Smith who scored first with a driving layup, assisted by Courtney Williams. The Aces quickly answered with a 3-pointer from Alysha Clark.
The quarter was a tight battle, with A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum making shots for the Aces, including a basket from Plum that gave them an 8-6 lead. Napheesa Collier stood out for the Lynx, helping them surge ahead 18-13 late in the quarter.
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The Aces fought back, with Chelsea Gray’s and-one play cutting the lead to 18-16. Then, with just six seconds left, Tiffany Hayes drove to the basket for a layup, tying the game at 18-18 to end the first quarter.
In the second quarter of the game, the Minnesota Lynx began to pull away again, thanks to a successful free throw sequence from Cecilia Zandalasini and a 3-pointer from Kayla McBride, extending Minnesota's lead to 31-24.
Wilson and Plum helped the Aces close the gap, leaving the Lynx with a slim 40-39 lead at halftime.
Collier was dominant, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds by halftime, both game-highs. Wilson and Plum had nine apiece after two quarters.
The Lynx began to pull away in the third quarter, with a jump shot from Courtney Williams sparking a 17-4 run for Minnesota.
Late in the quarter, Wilson made several key plays, including a turnaround jump shot and a driving layup, narrowing the gap slightly to 65-54. However, Minnesota’s lead remained substantial as they outscored the Aces 25-15 in the quarter, leading 65-54.
Jackie Young attempted to fuel a comeback with a driving layup and a 3-pointer, but the Lynx held their ground as Collier continued her strong performance, adding a driving layup and a jump shot to push the lead to 81-70.
In the end, the Lynx secured a 13-point victory, winning 87-74 on the night at Target Center.
Collier led with an impressive 27 points and 18 rebounds, along with five assists. Smith contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, and Courtney Williams added 13 points. McBride and Natasha Hiedeman each scored 12 points for the Lynx.
For the Aces, Wilson scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Plum and Young struggled, both shooting below 50%, with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Tiffany Hayes contributed 12 points off the bench.
Las Vegas Aces vs Minnesota Lynx Player Stats and Box Scores
Las Vegas Aces Player Stats and Box Scores
Minnesota Lynx Player Stats and Box Scores
