Napheesa Collier’s 30 points help Lynx complete home-and-home series sweep of Mystics

Napheesa Collier led the Minnesota Lynx to a decisive 99-83 win over the Washington Mystics on Saturday, scoring 30 points. Collier was exceptionally efficient, hitting 13 of 16 shots from the field, including two 3-pointers, as the Lynx extended their winning streak to three games and completed a home-and-home sweep of the Mystics. The Lynx had previously defeated Washington 79-68 at home on Thursday. Collier, who was part of the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the Paris Olympics, had also delivered 17 points and 12 rebounds in the earlier matchup between the teams.

Bridget Carleton added 16 points for Minnesota, including three 3-pointers. Courtney Williams contributed 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds. Kayla McBride chipped in 10 points and four steals, while Dorka Juhász came off the bench to score nine points and collect four rebounds.

For the Mystics, Stefanie Dolson led with 23 points, making all eight of her field goal attempts, including six 3-pointers. Shakira Austin contributed 16 points and five rebounds, and Ariel Atkins, along with reserve Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, each scored 11 points, with Atkins also recording five assists.

The Lynx initially struggled, trailing 8-2, but Collier and Carleton helped them rally to a 22-16 lead by the end of the first quarter. Minnesota capitalized on six Mystics turnovers, scoring eight points off them.

The Mystics briefly took a 39-38 lead in the second quarter after a flurry of scoring from Walker-Kimbrough, but Carleton’s go-ahead 3-pointer sparked a 7-0 run. The Lynx took a six-point lead into halftime and maintained it throughout the second half.

Minnesota built its lead to double digits at 55-44 after a jumper by McBride in the third quarter. Collier further extended the advantage with a 16-foot jumper and two free throws, pushing the lead to 78-56 heading into the final period.

Washington, which has now lost four consecutive games, fell behind by as many as 27 points and has yet to secure a win against the Lynx this season.

**Upcoming Games:**
– **Washington:** Hosts the Seattle Storm on Tuesday.
– **Minnesota:** Travels to Las Vegas on Wednesday.