Lynx Overpower Mystics with Strong Third Quarter, Collier Shines

Napheesa Collier lit up the scoreboard with 28 points as the Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Washington Mystics 92-75 on Thursday night, marking their third consecutive win in the regular season.

After a disappointing 74-59 loss to Indiana in the Commissioner's Cup final earlier this week, which did not impact their standings, Minnesota rebounded effectively.

Collier, who had a slow start and was scoreless in the first quarter, ignited the team by scoring the final seven points of a 12-2 run that propelled them to a 55-40 lead early in the second half. The Lynx dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Mystics 27-14, extending their lead to 70-52.

With an impressive shooting performance, Collier went 11 of 21 from the field, achieving 25 or more points for the eighth time this season. Alanna Smith and Kayla McBride contributed significantly as well, each adding 10 points to the Lynx's total.

Defensively, Minnesota capitalized on Washington's mistakes, scoring 28 points off 20 turnovers. Rookie Lucy Olsen emerged as a standout for the Mystics, coming off the bench to score a season-high 19 points. Aaliyah Edwards also made her mark with a season-high 15 points, while Shakira Austin added 10. Brittney Sykes, who leads the team with an average of 18.6 points per game, struggled, finishing with just seven points on 2 of 9 shooting.

At halftime, Minnesota held a narrow lead of 43-38 after closing the second quarter with a strong 17-5 run, capped by Smith's buzzer-beating three-pointer. The Lynx took control of the game after regaining the lead at 37-36 in the second quarter.

Despite shooting 45% from the field, Washington struggled from beyond the arc, making only 3 of their 20 attempts. This victory allowed Minnesota to avenge their earlier defeat against Washington on June 24, where they lost 68-64 without Collier.