With center A’ja Wilson still out for the Aces on concussion protocol, another key player went down Wednesday night. Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, a favorite for league MVP, and runner up last year, suffered a back injury in the third quarter and didn’t return to the game.
While Wilson’s team was expected to struggle without her, the Aces put up an impressive first half effort against the Lynx, leading by as many as 14 points in the middle of the second quarter and still in control at halftime. Giving up just 30 points, they held the Lynx to their lowest scoring half of the season so far.
Guard Jewel Loyd put up 12 points and 8 rebounds; Tiffany Mitchell had 10 points and five rebounds.
Eventually though, the Aces’ 17 allowed turnovers, and a resurgence of Minnesota’s offense put the Lynx back on top.
Courtney Williams helped bring some energy back to Minnesota with 18 points in the second half, and Alanna Smith followed that with 10 points and 13 rebounds including giving the Lynx their first lead of the game with a layup in the third quarter.
Minnesota’s bench has remained reliable as Natisha Hiedeman and Diamond Miller scored 12 points each, giving the Lynx some much needed insurance.
The Lynx next game will be a home rematch with the Los Angeles Sparks (4-9) on Saturday. Last Saturday they beat the Sparks 101-78.
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