Target Center Fireworks: Lynx Catch Fire from Deep to Down Aces 98

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MINNEAPOLIS — Just days after head coach Cheryl Reeve bluntly called out her squad following a rare lapse in defensive focus, the Minnesota Lynx delivered the ultimate response.

Pounding the ball inside, capitalizing on defensive miscues, and catching an absolute wildfire from beyond the arc, the Lynx (26–7) powered past the Las Vegas Aces (22–10) for a statement 98–87 victory on Saturday afternoon in front of 14,101 roaring fans at the Target Center.

The win not only rights the ship after Minnesota’s 10-game win streak was snapped earlier in the week, but it also showcased why the Lynx remain one of the most terrifying, multi-dimensional juggernauts in the WNBA.

A Record-Setting Perimeter Clinic

The defining storyline of Saturday’s matinee was Minnesota’s lethal execution from long distance. The Lynx blistered the net for a season-high 15 three-pointers, systematically dismantling the Aces’ perimeter rotations and turning live-ball miscues into transition daggers.

               MINNESOTA LYNX VS. LAS VEGAS ACES
   ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
   │ Las Vegas Aces (87)  : 25 | 20 | 20 | 22                    │
   │ Minnesota Lynx (98)  : 28 | 21 | 24 | 25                    │
   └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Minnesota converted Las Vegas turnovers into 22 crucial points, keeping the visitors on their heels for all four quarters. Whenever the Aces threatened to mount a sustained comeback, a timely defensive stop or an extra-pass three-pointer snuffed out the momentum.

Game Flow: Punch and Counter-Punch

Las Vegas couldn’t have asked for a sharper start, racing out to a quick 10–4 lead by hitting their opening four field goal attempts. But the early deficit woke up the Lynx offense. Minnesota quickly answered with an 11–0 run, fueled by a barrage of early triples to snatch a 15–10 advantage.

The opening frame was a high-octane preview of the chaos to come. Tied at 25 apiece in the closing seconds of the first quarter, the Lynx delivered a backbreaking blow when a long heave to beat the buzzer banked home, putting Minnesota up 28–25.

From there, the Lynx never truly relinquished control. Though Las Vegas kept within striking distance behind the scoring of Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson, Minnesota maintained a comfortable cushion, stretching their lead to 49–45 at the half and 73–65 heading into the final frame. A balanced 25-point fourth quarter sealed the 11-point victory.

Balanced Attack & Star Performances

True to Reeve’s offensive philosophy, the Lynx won by committee, featuring all five starters scoring in double figures.

Olivia Miles set the pace for Minnesota with a game-high 26 points, carving up the Aces’ defense with her relentless drives and pace-pushing orchestration.
Kayla McBride, 15 points, set an early tone with aggressive perimeter shooting, finishing with a flurry of deep balls to break open the game in the first half.

For the Aces, Jackie Young fought valiantly to keep her team afloat, pacing Las Vegas with 23 points. MVP frontrunner A’ja Wilson added 16 points and 8 rebounds, while NaLyssa Smith secured the game’s lone double-double with 14 points and 11 boards. Dana Evans chipped in 11 points, and Jewell Loyd added 10, but Las Vegas simply had no answer for Minnesota’s scorching night from deep and high-octane ball movement.

Box Score Highlights & Standouts

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Las Vegas Aces (22–10)	25	20	20	22	87
Minnesota Lynx (26–7)	28	21	24	25	98

Lynx Leaders: Olivia Miles (26 PTS), Napheesa Collier (22 PTS, 6 REB)
Aces Leaders: Jackie Young (23 PTS), A’ja Wilson (16 PTS, 8 REB), NaLyssa Smith (14 PTS, 11 REB).
Key Stat: 15 made 3-pointers and 22 points off turnovers for Minnesota.

With the regular-season stretch run tightening up, Saturday afternoon proved that when the Lynx are clicking on all cylinders from the perimeter, they are nearly impossible to slow down.