Lynx Beat Sparks Despite Collier’s Absence | WNBA
- MINNEAPOLIS - Kayla McBride's 29 points propelled the Minnesota Lynx to an 82-66 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday.
- Courtney williams contributed 18 points for the Lynx (12-1), who extended their winning streak to three games.
- For the Sparks (4-10), Kelsey Plum scored 15 points, while Dearica Hamby added 13 points and six rebounds.
Kayla mcbride’s dominant performance, scoring 29 points, fueled the Minnesota Lynx‘s 82-66 triumph over the Los Angeles Sparks. The Lynx, without their leading scorer Napheesa Collier, saw Maria Kliundikova step up in her first start, playing a key role with 12 points adn eight rebounds, demonstrating the team’s resilience. Despite a close first half, the Lynx surged in the second, outscoring the Sparks 48-31, leveraging a potent offensive display. The Lynx’s accuracy, hitting 53.6% from the field, overwhelmed Los Angeles, who struggled with their shooting.News Directory 3 reports on this compelling WNBA matchup. Witness the Lynx’s relentless drive and their ability to overcome adversity-a testament to their team spirit. Discover what’s next …
Lynx Dominate Sparks Behind McBride, Kliundikova’s Key Role
Updated June 22, 2025
MINNEAPOLIS – Kayla McBride’s 29 points propelled the Minnesota Lynx to an 82-66 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday. McBride shot 9-for-13 from the field, leading Minnesota’s offensive charge.
Courtney williams contributed 18 points for the Lynx (12-1), who extended their winning streak to three games. Maria Kliundikova, making her first start this season, added 12 points and eight rebounds, playing a crucial role in the team’s success. The Lynx demonstrated their offensive prowess, shooting 53.6% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc.
For the Sparks (4-10), Kelsey Plum scored 15 points, while Dearica Hamby added 13 points and six rebounds. Azura Stevens also chipped in with 11 points. Los Angeles struggled with their shooting, hitting only 36.9% from the field and 22.6% from 3-point range.
Minnesota played without Napheesa Collier, their leading scorer and rebounder, due to a back injury sustained in their previous game. Collier, 28, averages 24.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Despite the final score, Los Angeles held a narrow 35-34 lead at halftime.However, the Lynx took control in the second half, outscoring the Sparks 48-31. This included a 23-19 advantage in the third quarter and a dominant 25-12 showing in the fourth.
With just over two minutes left in the third quarter, Rickea Jackson made a free throw to give the Sparks a 52-50 lead. Diamond Miller responded with two free throws to tie the game, followed by a layup from Alanna Smith. Karlie samuelson added a free throw, giving Minnesota a 55-52 lead, and they closed the quarter ahead 57-54.
The Lynx carried their momentum into the fourth quarter. After Sarah Ashlee Barker’s 3-pointer put the Sparks ahead 59-58, Minnesota launched a 10-0 run. Kliundikova’s basket ignited the run, capped by Williams’ jump shot, putting the Lynx ahead 68-59.
McBride sealed the victory with a 3-pointer, extending Minnesota’s lead to 77-63 with three minutes remaining.
What’s next
The Lynx look to continue their winning ways as they prepare for their next game, focusing on maintaining their offensive efficiency and defensive intensity.