Napheesa Collier scores 31 points, Lynx clinch playoff berth with win vs Fever and honor Maya Moore

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Napheesa Collier’s 31 points and Kayla McBride’s clutch performance with eight of her 19 points in the fourth quarter led the Minnesota Lynx to a 90-80 victory over the Indiana Fever on Saturday night. This win secured a playoff spot for the Lynx, who have been on a hot streak with six consecutive victories, including five by double figures since returning from the Olympic break.

The game saw Caitlin Clark of the Fever, the No. 1 draft pick, put up a strong performance with 23 points and eight assists, becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 500 points and 200 assists. Despite Clark’s efforts, the Fever fell short, with Kelsey Mitchell contributing 21 points and Aliyah Boston adding 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Minnesota’s Bridget Carleton and McBride played crucial roles in the win. Carleton’s four 3-pointers helped her finish with 16 points, and McBride’s timely scoring was instrumental in extending the Lynx’s lead. Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman each added 10 points for Minnesota.

The game concluded with a memorable jersey retirement ceremony for Maya Moore Irons, whose No. 23 was honored at a record crowd of over 19,000 at the Target Center. Moore Irons joins a prestigious list of Lynx legends, including Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, Sylvia Fowles, and Lindsay Whalen, with her number now retired in recognition of her contributions to the franchise.