The Dallas Wings and Minnesota Lynx delivered a thrilling contest at the College Park Center on May 15, 2026, with the visiting Lynx edging out a 90–86 victory in a game that featured multiple lead changes and standout individual performances. The result was a crucial early-season statement for Minnesota, while Dallas showed flashes of promise despite the narrow defeat.
Match Overview
From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets at a high pace. The Wings, led by All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale, attacked the paint aggressively, while the Lynx countered with sharp perimeter shooting and disciplined team defense. The first half ended with Dallas holding a slim 45–43 advantage, thanks to a last-second three-pointer from Satou Sabally.
The third quarter saw Minnesota seize control behind a 12–2 run fueled by Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride. However, Dallas refused to back down, tying the game at 80 with under three minutes remaining. In the clutch, the Lynx’s experience prevailed: Collier converted a key and-one, and a late steal by Diamond Miller sealed the win.
Turning Points
- Collier’s Third-Quarter Dominance: Napheesa Collier scored 10 of her game-high 28 points in the third quarter, helping Minnesota turn a deficit into a lead.
- Wings’ Untimely Turnovers: Dallas committed 16 turnovers overall, including two in the final two minutes that allowed the Lynx to extend their lead.
- Free-Throw Accuracy: Minnesota went 18-of-20 from the line, while Dallas struggled at 14-of-19, a four-point difference that matched the final margin.
Star Performers
Napheesa Collier (MIN): 28 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals. The reigning Finals MVP showed why she is one of the league’s most unstoppable two-way forces, scoring efficiently from all three levels and anchoring the defense.
Arike Ogunbowale (DAL): 25 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds. Ogunbowale was electric, hitting several difficult step-back jumpers, but her six turnovers proved costly in the final minutes.
Kayla McBride (MIN): 18 points on 5-of-9 from three-point range. Her off-ball movement stretched the Dallas defense and created space for Collier inside.
Standings and Season Impact
With the win, the Minnesota Lynx improved to 3–1 to start the 2026 WNBA season, solidifying their position among the league’s elite. The Dallas Wings fell to 1–3, but their competitive showing against a top contender suggests they remain a playoff threat once they clean up their turnover issues. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on June 12 in Minneapolis.

