PHOENIX, AZ — Olivia Miles and Napheesa Collier delivered big performances as the Minnesota Lynx held off the Las Vegas Aces 92-87 on Saturday night, strengthening their grip on the WNBA’s best record.
Miles finished with 23 points and eight assists, while Collier added 19 points as Minnesota improved to 29-7 and secured its franchise-best 15th road victory of the season.
Natasha Howard contributed a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Kayla McBride scored 13. Courtney Williams and Nia Coffey each added 12 for the Lynx.
Minnesota seized control in the third quarter and refused to surrender the lead.
McBride’s three free throws sparked an 8-0 Lynx run that turned a 54-52 game into a 62-52 Minnesota advantage. From there, the Lynx maintained control despite several late challenges from Las Vegas.
Collier delivered another critical blow in the fourth quarter, knocking down a deep 3-pointer with just under seven minutes remaining to put Minnesota ahead by seven.
The Aces continued to fight.
Jewell Loyd buried a 3-pointer with less than three minutes remaining to cut Minnesota’s advantage to 86-82. A’ja Wilson then made two free throws with 1:09 left to bring Las Vegas within four.
But Minnesota remained composed at the foul line.
Williams and Collier each knocked down a pair of free throws during the final minute, allowing the Lynx to close out the victory.
Wilson Leads Aces
Wilson turned in another outstanding offensive performance despite the loss.
The Las Vegas superstar poured in 32 points, connecting on 11 of 12 free throws while adding seven rebounds.
NaLyssa Smith posted a double-double of her own with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Chelsea Gray finished with 12 points and nine assists.
The Aces dropped to 24-12.
Back-and-Forth First Half
Las Vegas controlled much of the opening half, particularly inside.
Wilson scored 19 points before halftime, while Smith contributed nine points and six rebounds. The duo combined to shoot 13 of 18 from the field as the Aces established a strong presence in the paint.
Las Vegas then opened the second quarter with an eight-point burst.
Mai Yamamoto started the surge with a banked-in 3-pointer before Wilson converted a fast-break layup and Jackie Young followed with a 3-pointer, putting the Aces ahead 33-31.
Neither team could establish control for long.
The score was tied seven times during the final six minutes of the half, with the last deadlock coming when Wilson connected on a midrange jumper with 34 seconds remaining.
The teams entered halftime tied 48-48.
Lynx Take Command After Break
Minnesota changed the game’s momentum coming out of halftime.
McBride’s three free throws ignited the decisive 8-0 run, giving the Lynx a 62-52 lead.
From that point forward, Minnesota never surrendered the advantage.
Las Vegas repeatedly trimmed the deficit but couldn’t generate the defensive stop needed to completely erase it.
The Lynx’s balance proved critical, with Miles controlling the offense, Collier providing timely scoring and Williams and Coffey contributing throughout the game.
Two of the WNBA’s Best Prepare for What’s Next
The victory further reinforces Minnesota’s status as the league’s top team. At 29-7, the Lynx continue to combine offensive balance with the ability to execute in close games.
For Las Vegas, the loss was a reminder that even with Wilson producing at an elite level, beating Minnesota requires four quarters of consistent execution.
Up next: The Aces return home Tuesday to face Atlanta. Minnesota travels to Golden State for Wednesday’s matchup.
