Minnesota Lynx strengthen grip on WNBA’s No. 1 seed originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Lynx continue to create separation in the race for the WNBA’s No. 1 playoff seed. Minnesota defeated the Las Vegas Aces 92-87 on Saturday night, improving to a league-best 29-7. The Lynx have won four consecutive games and nine of their last 10, giving them a 3.5-game advantage over the Golden State Valkyries.
Rookie guard Olivia Miles led Minnesota with 23 points and eight assists against Las Vegas. Natasha Howard grabbed 11 rebounds, while the Lynx connected on 11 3-pointers and made 15 of their 16 free-throw attempts.
A’ja Wilson delivered 32 points for the Aces, but Minnesota held off Las Vegas late to earn its second victory over the championship contender in eight days. The Lynx already have clinched a playoff berth. Their attention now turns toward locking down home-court advantage throughout the postseason.
Minnesota Lynx’s Upcoming ScheduleAll times Eastern.
DateOpponentTimeTV/StreamingWednesday, Aug. 19at Golden State Valkyries10 p.m.USA NetworkFriday, Aug. 21at Washington Mystics7:30 p.m.IONMonday, Aug. 24vs. Golden State Valkyries8 p.m.USA NetworkSunday, Aug. 30at Atlanta Dream3 p.m.NBA TVFriday, Sept. 18vs. New York Liberty7:30 p.m.IONMinnesota will play three of its next four games on the road. Every opponent in that stretch currently occupies a playoff position. The most important games will come against Golden State. The 24-9 Valkyries are the only team within four games of Minnesota and represent the most immediate threat to the Lynx’s hold on the top seed.
Minnesota already owns two victories over Golden State this season. The Lynx earned an 87-84 home win June 4 before winning 81-75 at Chase Center on June 19. Another victory Wednesday would give Minnesota a commanding advantage in the season series. The teams will meet again five days later at Target Center.
Lynx Keep Delivering Against WNBA ContendersSaturday’s victory gave Minnesota the regular-season series against Las Vegas. The Aces won the first meeting 100-97 on June 13, but the Lynx responded with consecutive victories in August. Miles scored 26 points in a 98-87 win Aug. 8 before leading Minnesota again Saturday.
The Lynx have established the league’s best record by consistently beating quality opponents. They have defeated Golden State twice, Las Vegas twice and also own victories over Indiana, New York, Atlanta, Dallas and Washington. Minnesota also has been quick to respond when things go wrong.
The Lynx suffered a surprising 89-82 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Aug. 6. They followed that setback by winning four straight games, including three against current playoff teams. Minnesota first beat Las Vegas at Target Center before defeating Dallas 103-90 behind Kayla McBride’s 43-point performance. The Lynx then escaped Portland with an 85-81 victory before completing the season-series win over the Aces.
That stretch has reinforced Minnesota’s status as the team to beat.
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Difficult Tests Remain For MinnesotaThe Lynx control their path to the No. 1 seed, but their remaining schedule offers little room for complacency. Washington and Atlanta are fighting for postseason position, while New York remains a dangerous opponent despite an inconsistent season.
Minnesota also will finish the regular season with consecutive games against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. The Lynx travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sept. 22 before hosting Indiana two nights later. Minnesota defeated the Fever 108-100 in their first meeting Aug. 2. Miles scored 28 points in that victory as the Lynx held off one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.
The Lynx have received contributions throughout their rotation. Miles has emerged as one of the WNBA’s most productive guards, Napheesa Collier has returned to an elite level and veterans McBride, Courtney Williams and Howard have provided stability.
Minnesota’s position is enviable, but the Lynx have bigger goals than finishing with the league’s best regular-season record. Their upcoming matchups against Golden State provide the next opportunity to show why the road to the WNBA championship could run through Minnesota.
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