The Minnesota Lynx delivered a dominant performance at home on July 16, 2026, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 96–87 in a thrilling Women’s National Basketball Association contest. The victory extended the Lynx’s winning streak and showcased their offensive firepower against a gritty Sparks squad.
Match Overview
Playing in front of an energized crowd at Target Center, the Lynx set the tone early with crisp ball movement and aggressive defense. The Sparks kept pace through the first half, but Minnesota pulled away in the third quarter behind a balanced scoring attack. By the final buzzer, the Lynx had secured a nine-point victory that further solidified their position in the league standings.
Key Moments
- First-Quarter Surge: Minnesota opened with a 12–4 run, capitalizing on transition opportunities and forcing two early Sparks turnovers.
- Third-Quarter Separation: The Lynx outscored Los Angeles 28–20 in the third period, turning a slim halftime lead into a double-digit advantage.
- Clutch Free Throws: With under two minutes remaining and the Sparks threatening, Minnesota converted six consecutive free throws to seal the win.
Standout Players
Napheesa Collier led all scorers with 28 points, adding 9 rebounds and 4 assists in a well-rounded performance. Kayla McBride chipped in 22 points, including three three-pointers, while Jessica Shepard controlled the paint with 12 boards and 6 assists.
For the Sparks, Nneka Ogwumike posted a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, and Jordin Canada dished out 8 assists. Despite their efforts, Los Angeles struggled to contain Minnesota’s high-screen offense in the second half.
Season Impact
The win lifted the Lynx to a 14–6 record, keeping them in the top four of the WNBA standings. With the playoff race heating up, home-court advantage remains a critical goal. The Sparks fell to 9–11, dropping to seventh place, and face mounting pressure to secure a postseason berth.
Head coach Cheryl Reeve praised her team’s composure: “We executed our game plan, especially in the third quarter. Against a veteran team like Los Angeles, you can’t let up, and we didn’t.”
Looking Ahead
Minnesota travels to face the Chicago Sky on July 19, while the Sparks return home to host the Seattle Storm. Both teams will look to build on their recent form as the regular season enters its decisive stretch.

