The Minnesota Lynx secured a spot in the playoffs with a 90-80 victory over the Indiana Fever, fueled by standout performances from Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride. Collier led the charge with 31 points, while McBride contributed 19 points, including eight crucial points in the fourth quarter.
Minnesota's recent success has been impressive, winning six consecutive games, with five of those victories coming by double-digit margins since the team's return from the Olympic break. The Lynx's strong form has propelled them to a 22-8 record for the season.
Despite the loss, Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever showcased her talent by scoring 23 points and dishing out eight assists. Clark made history by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 200 assists, achieving this milestone in just 29 games.
In a pivotal moment of the game, Bridget Carleton's 3-pointer extended the Lynx's lead to 10 points with under eight minutes remaining. Although the Fever mounted a comeback led by Lexie Hull's scoring, McBride's clutch shooting down the stretch helped Minnesota pull away for the win.
Additional contributions for the Lynx came from Carleton, who finished with 16 points, and Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, who each added 10 points. Kelsey Mitchell led the scoring for the Fever with 21 points, supported by Aliyah Boston's double-double performance of 10 points and 15 rebounds.
Following the game, the Lynx honored Maya Moore Irons with a jersey retirement ceremony, recognizing her immense contributions to the team. Moore Irons, a four-time WNBA champion and former MVP, played a pivotal role in the Lynx's success during her career.
Maya Moore Irons, who retired in 2018, has since been involved in social justice advocacy, notably working towards the release of Jonathan Irons, whose conviction was overturned in 2020. The ceremony drew a record crowd of over 19,000 fans at the Target Center, celebrating Moore Irons alongside other Lynx legends.
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