Lynx Win 7th Straight, Rout Storm 88-68

Minneapolis:

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network

The Minnesota Lynx (8-2) have the best record in the WNBA through 10 games this season. They welcomed the Seattle Storm (3-8) to town Saturday. The game was another nationally televised matchup, airing on ABC/ESPN at noon CT. The Lynx were coming off an 87-84 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday night.

Seattle, who fired Head Coach Noelle Quinn in the offseason and revamped their roster, are now led by Sonia Raman. The Storm signed guard Natisha Hiedeman in free agency. Hiedeman, a fan favorite from her time in Minnesota and half of the StudBudz, returned to Minnesota to face many of her former teammates and friends. She received a warm ovation from the fans at Target Center, as well as a video tribute. The Lynx tried to string together as many wins as possible as they awaited the anticipated return of star player Napheesa Collier and key reserve Dorka Juhász.

Seattle came out shooting in the first quarter. Stefanie Dolson, who plays center and is one of the best three-point shooters at that position, nailed her first one seconds into the game. Flau'jae Johnson then made a three-pointer from the corner, and it quickly was 6-0. Lynx guard Olivia Miles made two back-to-back driving layups to make it 6-4 with eight minutes left in the first quarter. Dolson then made her second three-pointer of the quarter, followed by Jordan Horston, and the Storm increased their lead to 12-4 with seven minutes left. Lynx guard Courtney Williams then made a pull-up jumper. Horston answered with a driving layup, and with six minutes left, the score was 14-6 Seattle. Maya Caldwell cut into Seattle's lead with a three-pointer from the corner, but Johnson answered with her second three-pointer of the quarter to make it 17-9 with five minutes left. Johnson, a rookie out of LSU and a first-round pick who was acquired in a draft-day deal by Seattle, answered again, this time with a driving layup to make it 19-9. Dominique Malonga, who was a top pick by the Storm last season, made a put-back layup, and the Storm extended their lead to 21-9 with two minutes left in the quarter. Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve called a timeout to regroup the team. It seemed to work as the Lynx went on a 7-2 run to end the quarter. Kayla McBride was fouled on a three-point attempt and made all three free throws. Natasha Howard scored on an offensive put-back layup, and Miles made a driving layup. After the first quarter, Seattle had a 24-16 lead.


The Lynx came out in the second quarter looking better. After a Natisha Hiedeman three-pointer, the Lynx went on a 9-3 run. Back-to-back layups by Natasha Howard, as well as Kayla McBride making a top-of-the-key three-pointer, tied the game at 27 with seven minutes left in the half. Hiedeman then gave the Storm the lead once again with her second three-pointer of the game to make it 30-27. Courtney Williams countered with her own three-pointer to tie the game at 30. Awa Fam, who was a top-five pick in this year's draft, answered with a three-pointer from the corner to give Seattle a 33-30 lead with five minutes remaining in the first half. Both teams traded buckets, but the Lynx got back into the game. The Lynx went on another 6-3 run to close out the first half, as Miles made back-to-back driving layups and Howard added a jumper. At halftime, the Lynx had a 45-43 lead.


Seattle shot 9-for-16 from three-point range in the first half, keeping them in the game.


Leading scorers in the first half for the Lynx were Natasha Howard with nine points, while Seattle was led by Flau'jae Johnson with eight points.


The Lynx have been a second-half team all season, and they showed that again in the third quarter. They opened the quarter on a 10-0 run and were led by Howard with five points during that stretch. Their defensive pressure forced seven third-quarter turnovers, and they outscored the Storm 26-10 in the third. After three quarters, the Lynx led 71-53.


The Lynx went with their bench in the fourth quarter and still outscored Seattle 17-15. Natasha Howard led all scorers for the Lynx with 27 points and five rebounds, while Olivia Miles had 19 points and six assists. Seattle was led by Natisha Hiedeman with 14 points.


Up Next: Lynx at home on 6-9 vs. Dallas.

Minnesota:

G #5 Olivia Miles 17.0 PPG

G #10 Courtney Williams 17.7 PPG

G #21 Kayla McBride 13.3 PPG

F #12 Nia Coffey 9.2 PPG

F #1 Natasha Howard 16.1 PPG

Seattle:

G #2 Natisha Hiedeman 13.5 PPG

G #4 Flau'jae Johnson 11.6 PPG

G#23 Jordan Horston 4.2 PPG

F #11 Awa Fam 9.8 PPG

C #31 Stefanie Dolson 6.1 PPG

Minneapolis:

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network

The Minnesota Lynx returned home with the best record in the WNBA at 7-2. The Golden State Valkyries had the second-best record at 6-3. Both teams' defenses were among the top in the league, so something had to give Thursday night at the Target Center. Lynx guard Olivia Miles was just named Rookie of the Month for May and looked to continue to impress the league and fans alike.

The Lynx came out shooting to start the first quarter. Kayla McBride got the scoring started, nailing a corner three-pointer a minute into the game. Valkyries leading scorer Gabby Williams answered with a three-pointer of her own with just over eight minutes to play. Olivia Miles then made her first of two three-pointers in the quarter. Former Lynx player Cecilia Zandalasini, who was picked by Golden State last season in the Expansion Draft, gave them the lead with a quick eight points, which included two three-pointers. With four minutes left, it was 19-14 Golden State. Lynx guard Courtney Williams made two straight jumpers, and the score was 19-18 Golden State with a minute remaining in the quarter. With 23 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes made a corner three-pointer, and after one, it was 22-18 Golden State.

The second quarter turned into the Olivia Miles show. With the game on Amazon Prime, Miles showed the nation what she is capable of doing. After a layup by Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen, Miles hit her third three-pointer of the game from the top of the key with just over eight minutes left in the quarter. The Valkyries answered with baskets by Tiffany Hayes and a three-pointer by Janelle Salaün to make it 29-23 Golden State.

Then Miles took over. She scored the next eight points, making her fourth and fifth three-pointers of the game, as well as two free throws. The Lynx retook the lead, 30-29. Burton and McBride both made a pair of free throws, and the score was 34-33 Lynx with six minutes left to play in the first half. Golden State then took the lead on layups by Hayes and Burton, and with four minutes left to play, it was 38-34. Lynx guard Maya Caldwell made a corner three-pointer, and Natasha Howard made a layup off an offensive rebound, tying the game at 38. The game went back and forth over the final three minutes. At halftime, Golden State held a 44-42 lead.

Leading scorers for the Lynx were Olivia Miles with 17 points and Kayla McBride with 7 points. Golden State was led by Cecilia Zandalasini with 8 points and Kayla Thornton with 7 points.

The third quarter started slow, but the pace picked up. Valkyries center Kiah Stokes nailed a three-pointer from the top of the key to open the scoring. Miles then answered with her sixth three-pointer of the game with eight minutes to go. Stokes and Howard then traded layups with seven minutes to go, and the score was 52-50 Golden State. Miles came back with her seventh three-pointer of the game. But Golden State forward Janelle Salaün, out of France, made two three-pointers of her own to extend the lead to 58-53 with three minutes left to play in the third quarter.

Another driving layup by Miles cut the lead to 58-55 with two minutes to go. Then both teams scored in a frantic final two minutes of the quarter. McBride made a corner three-pointer on a great pass by Miles to tie the game. Salaün was on fire in the quarter, as she nailed back-to-back three-pointers with a minute to go to make it 64-58. After baskets by McBride and Kosu, the score was 64-62. Hayes then hit a corner jumper with 35 seconds left in the quarter, and it was 66-62. Kosu made a put-back layup with 1.2 seconds left, and it was 66-64 going to the fourth quarter.

Golden State's Salaün got on the board again with a layup to start the scoring in the fourth. After a pair of free throws by Kosu, Zandalasini quieted the crowd with a driving layup to make it 70-67. Lynx forward Nia Coffey then made her first three-pointer of the game. Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes answered with a layup with seven minutes left to play. Zandalasini then made her fourth three-pointer of the game with six minutes remaining. Miles answered with her eighth three-pointer, a career high.

The Lynx then went on a 9-0 run, with Courtney Williams scoring all nine points to make the score 81-75. Zandalasini made her fifth three-pointer of the game to make it 81-78 with just under three minutes to play. McBride's spot-up three-pointer extended the lead to 84-78 with 1:52 left in the game. After Hayes and Zandalasini both made a pair of free throws, the score was 84-82. Lynx guard Courtney Williams then sealed the game, making her signature pull-up jumper and one of two free throws, and the Lynx held on for an 87-84 victory to improve to 8-2.

The Lynx were led by Olivia Miles with 28 points and Courtney Williams with 17 points. Golden State was led by Janelle Salaün with 17 points.

Up Next: Home, 6/6/26 vs. Seattle.

Minnesota Starters:

G #5 Olivia Miles 15.8 PPG

G #10 Courtney Williams 17.8 PPG

G #21 Kayla McBride 13.2 PPG

F #12 Nia Coffey 9.9 PPG

F #1 Natasha Howard 16.6 PPG

Golden State:

G #22 Veronica Burton 14.2 PPG

G #24 Cecila Zandalasini 8.0 PPG

F #1 Gabby Williams 14.2 PPG

F #5 Kayla Thornton 9.9 PPG

C #41 Kiah Stokes 3.7 PPG

Minneapolis:

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network

The Minnesota Lynx faced the Atlanta Dream for the second time in less than three weeks, looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking 91-90 loss in their home opener. Minnesota entered the night at 4-2 and wanted revenge against one of the hottest teams in the WNBA. Atlanta came in at 4- 1, off to the best start in franchise history behind the strong play of Alisha Gray and Rhyne Howard.

The Lynx continue building chemistry with their new-look roster, and the addition of Natasha Howard alongside rookie Olivia Miles has already made a major impact, especially in the pick-and-roll game. Minnesota is also hoping to get healthier soon, with All-WNBA star Napheesa Collier expected back sometime in June and Dorka Juhasz nearing a return from an ankle injury. Until then, the Lynx are focused on stacking wins and staying in the playoff hunt.

Minnesota came out aggressive in the opening quarter. Minnesota native Nia Coffey got the Lynx rolling early, knocking down a three-pointer as the shot clock expired before adding two more baskets for seven quick points in the first four minutes. Along with baskets from Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles, the Lynx jumped out to an 11-2 lead.

Atlanta answered behind Naz Hillmon, who sparked the Dream offense with a three-pointer, jumper, and layup late in the quarter. Coffey added another basket off a great feed from Miles and finished the first quarter with nine points as the Lynx took a 23-14 lead.

The Dream caught fire from beyond the arc to start the second quarter. Alisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Sia Kone all connected from three-point range in the opening minutes, helping Atlanta tie the game at 26-26. Olivia Miles carried the offense during that stretch, scoring at the free-throw line before head coach Cheryl Reeve called timeout to settle things down.

Minnesota responded with a strong run of its own. Natasha Howard and Miles each scored six points during a 16-6 burst that pushed the lead to 42-33 late in the half. Atlanta trimmed the deficit slightly before halftime, but the Lynx still carried a 42-37 advantage into the break.

At halftime, Coffey and Miles led Minnesota with 11 points each, while Alisha Gray and Naz Hillmon paced Atlanta with nine points apiece.

The third quarter belonged to Natasha Howard. The veteran forward took over offensively, scoring 12 points in the quarter while Courtney Williams added six more. Minnesota’s defense also stepped up, forcing seven Atlanta turnovers and stretching the lead to as many as 18 points. Gray tried to keep the Dream close with eight points in the quarter, but the Lynx controlled the momentum and led 70-56 heading into the fourth.

Minnesota kept its foot on the gas early in the final quarter. Kayla McBride opened the scoring with a four-point play after being fouled on a three-pointer by Alisha Gray, who was called for a reckless closeout after review. The play extended the Lynx lead to 74-56.

Atlanta made a few runs behind Gray, Hillmon, and Rhyne Howard, but the Lynx always had an answer. Olivia Miles completed a three-point play to push the lead back to 17, and later Courtney Williams buried a three-pointer and hit her signature pull-up jumper to put the game away.

Minnesota closed out a convincing 96-81 win to improve to 5-2 on the season.

Courtney Williams led the Lynx with 25 points and seven assists, while Natasha Howard added 22 points and eight rebounds. Atlanta was led by Alisha Gray with 21 points and Naz Hillmon with 15.

Next Home Game: June 4th vs Golden State

Minnesota Lynx Starters:

G #5 Olivia Miles 15.2 PPG

G #10 Courtney Williams 15.8 PPG

G #21 Kayla McBride 15.2 PPG

F #12 Nia Coffey 7.8 PPG

F #1 Natasha Howard 17.0 PPG

Atlanta Dream Starters:

G #3 Jordin Canada 12.4 PPG

G #15 Alisha Gray 21.8 PPG

G #10 Rhyne Howard 18.8 PPG

F #00 Naz Hillmon 6.4 PPG

F #5 Angel Reese 12.8 PPG

 Minneapolis:

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network

Minnesota went 20-2 at home during the 2025 season. So far, this young season, they were 0-2 at home with losses to Atlanta and Chicago. The Lynx had leads in both games but were unable to close them out. Entering tonight at 2-2 on the season, they welcomed expansion team Toronto to town hoping to finally give the home crowd a win.

Toronto (3-2) came in riding momentum after an impressive win over the Phoenix Mercury. Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes combined for 61 points in the 98-90 victory and slowing them down was a major focus for Minnesota.

The Lynx returned home to another packed crowd at Target Center and opened the game on a 10-3 run over the first four minutes. Forward Natasha Howard scored six quick points off great assists from Olivia Miles, who found her twice cutting to the basket. The pick-and-roll game between the two is exciting to watch and should only improve as the season goes on, think Stockton and Malone. Miles also scored on a nifty reverse layup, while Courtney Williams knocked down one of her signature pull-up jumpers.

Toronto, a team that relies heavily on speed and attacking the basket, got beat at its own game in the first quarter. Kayla McBride then scored five straight points as the Lynx extended the lead to 19-6 with 3:34 left in the quarter. Maya Caldwell, acquired from Portland right before the season, came off the bench and scored five first-quarter points. Head coach Cheryl Reeve stressed before the game the importance of bench production, and the second unit responded with seven points in the opening quarter.

Toronto shot just 27.8 percent from the field but stayed within striking distance by going 4-for-13 from three-point range. After one quarter, the Lynx led 27-14.

Williams opened the second quarter by knocking down a corner three to make it 30-14. The bench continued to deliver when Liatu King scored on a jumper. Williams then hit her second three-pointer of the game, and with 6:55 remaining in the half, the Lynx had stretched the lead to 38-19.

Following a three-pointer by Toronto’s Brittney Sykes, King,  who signed a developmental contract with the Lynx after training camp, answered with a three of her own to make it 43-22 with five minutes left in the half. More valuable bench contributions from a group the Lynx need to rely on this season.

Toronto responded with a 7-3 run to cut the lead to 46-29 with two minutes remaining in the half behind baskets from Kiki Rice and Maria Conde, prompting a timeout from Reeve. Minnesota answered with a 7-3 run of its own to close the half, highlighted by baskets from Miles and Howard, and took a commanding 53-32 lead into halftime.

The Lynx shot 63 percent from the field and 46 percent from three in the first half, while Toronto managed just 30 percent shooting overall and 24 percent from beyond the arc.

Minnesota was led at halftime by Courtney Williams with 12 points and four rebounds. Natasha Howard added nine points and four rebounds. Toronto was led by Kia Nurse with six points and Laura Juskaite with five.

The third quarter was more competitive, but the Lynx continued to build on the lead. Kiki Rice carried Toronto offensively with eight points in the quarter, while McBride and Olivia Miles each added six points for Minnesota. After three quarters, the Lynx led 76-48,  their largest lead of the night. Toronto looked visibly frustrated as its shooting struggles continued.

The Lynx bench turned in its best performance of the season. Caldwell opened the fourth quarter by knocking down her second three-pointer of the game. King added eight points, while Kosu chipped in five. Every available player for Minnesota got on the scoreboard tonight.

Minnesota also dominated in the paint, outscoring Toronto 40-14 inside, their best differential of the season so far. Toronto was simply outmatched, and the Lynx rolled to a 100-72 victory.

The Lynx were led by Maya Caldwell with 16 points off the bench, while Courtney Williams added 15 points and eight rebounds. Toronto was led by Kia Nurse with 23 points.

Next home game: May 27 vs. Atlanta.

Minnesota Starters:

G - #5 Olivia Miles 15.5 PPG

G - #10 Courtney Willaims 15.8 PPG

G - #21 Kayla McBride 16.3 PPG

F - #12 Nia Coffey 7.8 PPG

F - #1 Natasha Howard 15.8 PPG

Toronto Starters:

G - #10 Maria Conde 6.2 PPG

G - #3 Marina Mabrey 20.8 PPG

G - #20 Brittney Sykes 25.8 PPG

G - #1 Kiki Rice 11.4 PPG

F- #2 Laura Juskaite 8.0 PPG

Minneapolis:

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network

The Minnesota Lynx returned home Sunday evening after going 2-0 on the road with wins over the Phoenix Mercury and Dallas Wings. This team is learning to play together and has been fun to watch. Rookie Olivia Miles leads the team in points and assists and already looks like a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

The Chicago Sky, now 2-1 on the season, look like a completely different team than in years past. Led by Rickea Jackson, who came over in a trade with Los Angeles, Chicago looks poised to get back into the playoffs this season.

The Lynx, who lost their home opener to the Atlanta Dream 91-90 after leading by as many as 17 points, were looking for their first home win of the young season.

The game stayed close in the first quarter. Lynx forward Natasha Howard, back for her second stint with Minnesota, led the way with six points in the quarter, while Miles added four. Chicago was led by Jackson with six points and rookie Gabriela Jaquez with four points and two rebounds. Jaquez, fresh off a National Championship at UCLA in April, made an early impact. At the end of the first quarter, the Lynx led 22-16.

Chicago opened the second quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 25-22 lead with 8:12 left in the half. After a timeout from Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota regrouped. Courtney Williams tied the game at 25 with her first three-pointer of the night, and after a defensive stop, Kayla McBride knocked down a corner three to put the Lynx back ahead 28-25.

With 5:24 left in the quarter, Jackson suffered an apparent knee injury and had to be helped off the floor. It would be a major loss for Chicago if she misses significant time. Natasha Cloud was assessed a technical foul while arguing for a foul call on the play, though replay showed Jackson appeared to slip.

Chicago tied the game at 35 with 2:14 remaining in the half. Minnesota briefly regained the lead on a driving layup with 12 seconds left, but with 1.2 seconds remaining, Sky guard Sydney Taylor buried a three-pointer to give Chicago a 40-38 halftime lead.

At halftime, McBride led Minnesota with 12 points, while Howard added 10 points and five rebounds. Jacy Sheldon led Chicago with seven points.

Chicago opened the third quarter with a 6-0 run to build a 46-38 lead with eight minutes remaining. Minnesota struggled to knock down open shots, something that also plagued them in their home opener. The Sky pushed the lead to 57-46 with just over three minutes left in the quarter, but five straight points from Williams cut it to 57-51.

Jaquez, whose brother Jaime Jaquez Jr. plays for the Miami Heat, continued her strong night. She had 13 points through three quarters as Chicago carried a 63-56 lead into the fourth.

With another sold-out crowd behind them, the Lynx came out with energy in the fourth quarter. McBride hit her second three-pointer of the game and followed it with a driving layup to trim the deficit to 65-61. But Cloud answered with a three of her own, helping Chicago stretch the lead back to 76-66 with 5:41 remaining.

Miles then connected on her first three-pointer of the night to make it 78-71. Chicago answered again, this time with a layup from Kamilla Cardoso to push the lead to 80-71 with 2:24 left.

Minnesota responded with five straight points — a Williams three-pointer followed by a Miles layup — to cut it to 80-76. But Jaquez hit her first three-pointer of the game with 1:12 remaining to push Chicago’s lead back to seven.

A driving layup by Miles cut the deficit to 83-78 with 44 seconds left, but Minnesota native Rachel Banham sealed the game at the free throw line, hitting one of two attempts to secure the Sky’s 86-79 win.

McBride led Minnesota with 20 points, while Jaquez paced Chicago with 20 points of her own.

Up Next for the Lynx:

May 21 vs. Toronto Tempo at the Target Center.

Minneapolis:

By Troy Geary

Geary Sports & Entertainment Network

With the new history-making CBA, which included record-breaking salaries in the WNBA, Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve knew her team would look different this season. Gone are Bridget Carlton, Jessica Shepard, and Alanna Smith, all of whom started games last year. The Lynx re-signed fan favorites Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, and Kayla McBride. They also brought in free agents Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey.

The Lynx also held the second overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft and selected point guard Olivia Miles out of TCU. Reeve said she believes Miles is a generational talent, and Lynx fans are hoping she’s right.

Atlanta, meanwhile, acquired Angel Reese from Chicago and is looking to build on last season’s playoff appearance.

Minnesota came out firing in the first quarter, feeding off a loud home crowd. McBride and Coffey each scored five points in the quarter, while Atlanta shot just 23% from the field. The Lynx closed the opening quarter with a commanding 24-12 lead. Reese, known for her on-court intensity, picked up a technical foul for arguing a call as the Lynx defense frustrated her throughout the quarter.

The Lynx continued to apply pressure in the second quarter. Recent waiver pickup Maya Caldwell led Minnesota in the quarter with six points, while Williams added six of her own to bring her first-half total to 10. Atlanta continued to struggle offensively and committed 14 turnovers through two quarters. Dream forward Rhyne Howard was the lone bright spot for Atlanta, leading the team with nine points at halftime.

Minnesota closed the half on a 7-0 run to take a 52-37 lead into the break. McBride led all scorers with 13 first-half points. Reese struggled offensively, shooting 1-for-5 from the field, though she did grab nine rebounds before halftime.

Atlanta came out with more energy in the third quarter, opening on a 10-4 run to cut the Lynx lead to 56-47 with seven minutes remaining in the quarter. Minnesota, which had just four turnovers in the first half, committed five in the third quarter alone. Dream guard Alisha Gray sparked the comeback by scoring 16 points in the quarter to pull Atlanta back into the game. Despite the surge, the Lynx still led 71-63 heading into the fourth.

Williams, who re-signed to a max contract this offseason, took control early in the fourth quarter with back-to-back baskets to extend the Lynx lead to 79-65. But Atlanta responded with a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 79-75 with six minutes remaining.

Miles answered by scoring on two straight layups to push the lead back to 85-78 with four minutes left. Atlanta responded again, this time with a 7-0 run to tie the game at 85 with just over two minutes remaining. McBride then converted a layup to give Minnesota an 87-85 lead.

Gray was fouled moments later by rookie Emma Cechova and knocked down both free throws to tie the game at 87. McBride answered with her second three-pointer of the night to put Minnesota back in front 90-87 with 50 seconds left.

Jordan Canada responded with a layup to cut the lead to one before Dream guard Te-Hina Paopao hit a floater with 11.3 seconds remaining to give Atlanta a 91-90 lead. On the final possession, Miles found Emma Hof driving to the basket, but the layup attempt was blocked by Angel Reese as time expired, sealing a 91-90 Dream victory.

Miles led the Lynx with 21 points, while Gray paced Atlanta with 24.

Next up: May 17 at home against the Chicago Sky. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

G – #5 Olivia Miles 

G - #10 Courtney Williams  

G - #21 Kayla McBride  

F - #12 Nia Coffey 

F - #1 Natasha Howard  

Game Status Report:  

Napheesa Collier – OUT (left ankle)  

Dorka Juhász – OUT (right foot)  

Emese Hof - AVAILABLE