Minnesota beats Indiana 97–84 as Napheesa Collier returns with 32 points and nine rebounds. Full match recap, how to watch, player stats, and what’s next.
Fever vs Lynx Context
In a rematch just days after a nail-biter, the Minnesota Lynx (30–7) convincingly defeated the Indiana Fever (19–18), winning 97–84 to complete a two-game sweep. The standout of the night? Napheesa Collier returned from injury to tally a dominant 32 points and nine rebounds, picking up the offensive momentum and energizing the Lynx crowd from the jump. This victory matches Minnesota’s franchise record for wins in a season. Meanwhile, Courtney Williams set a new team milestone for assists in a single season.
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Where to Watch & Game Logistics
- TV: CBS Sports Network aired the game.
- Streaming: WNBA app (subject to regional restrictions).
- Start Time: 6:00 PM CT
- Venue: Target Center in Minneapolis.
Match Recap: Frame-by-Frame
The Fever surged early, shooting lights-out from deep and carrying a double-digit lead into the second quarter. But the Lynx turned the tide hard. A 27–15 second quarter run—including a momentum-shifting 11–0 burst fueled by bench plays from Maria Kliundikova—flipped control fully to Minnesota. Despite Indiana’s scrappy fightback, Minnesota held serve to mute the comeback.
Key Player Performances
- Napheesa Collier (Lynx): 32 points, 9 rebounds on 11-of-16 shooting. Her energy return boiled over in a season-defining moment.
- Courtney Williams (Lynx): Posted a double-double and broke the Lynx single-season assists record.
- Kayla McBride & Maria Kliundikova (Lynx): Each added key scoring support (McBride with 13, Kliundikova with 11 off the bench).
Indiana Fever Highlights:
- Kelsey Mitchell: Led the scoring pack with 27 points (5-of-7 from three-point land).
- Lexie Hull: Career-high 23 points and 4-of-7 from deep.
- Aliyah Boston: Added interior strength with 15 points and 6 rebounds.
- Shey Peddy: Impressive debut off the bench: 10 points and 4 assists.
Tactical Insights
- Lynx’s second-quarter surge changed the game’s DNA. Bench energy (Kliundikova), defensive stops, and a tightening rotation flipped momentum.
- Collier’s return gave Minnesota the inside-out scoring balance they missed. With her aggressive cuts and presence, the offense looked more dynamic.
- Fever clung on with perimeter shooting but lacked enough support from the bench and the interior, limiting their ability to contain Minnesota’s resurgence.
What It Means for Both Teams
- Minnesota Lynx: That win improves their control at the top of the standings and sets them up firmly for playoff positioning. Collier’s return could be the final jigsaw piece for a deep postseason run.
- Indiana Fever: Despite the loss, the performances of Mitchell, Hull, Boston, and Peddy reinforce growth and resilience. They’ll hope to use this stretch as a foundation for heading into next season.
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