Collier scores 16, Carleton 14 as Lynx win fifth straight 68-55 over Atlanta; Howard injured

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Napheesa Collier led the charge with 16 points as the Minnesota Lynx secured their fifth consecutive victory by defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-55 on Wednesday night. Bridget Carleton added 14 points, while Dorka Juhasz contributed 10 points off the bench along with 11 rebounds for the Lynx (12-2). Carleton was particularly effective from long range, hitting 4 of 5 three-pointers, though the team struggled overall with only 3 of 17 beyond the arc.

In contrast, Atlanta’s top scorers, Rhyne Howard and Allysha Gray, had a tough night, combining for just 13 points on a dismal 2 of 25 shooting, including 0 of 14 from three-point territory. Howard exited the game in the third quarter due to a lower leg injury, further hampering Atlanta’s efforts.

Despite shooting struggles themselves (35.5% overall and 7 of 22 from three-point range), Minnesota’s defense held firm, limiting Atlanta to 29% shooting (19 of 66). Tina Charles led the Dream (6-7) with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Nia Coffey and Haley Jones each contributed 11 points.

Minnesota gained control early with a 45-30 halftime lead, fueled by an 11-0 run spanning the first two quarters. Atlanta mounted a comeback effort with an 11-4 run, but timely plays from Courtney Williams and a crucial three-pointer from reserve Cecilia Zandalasini helped the Lynx maintain an 11-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter at 56-47. The Lynx closed out the game with a 12-8 edge in the final period to seal the victory.