The Lynx Clinch A Playoff Spot in Win Over The Fever

The Minnesota Lynx hosted the Indiana Fever for the second time this season. The first meeting took place on July 14, with the Fever taking the win 81-74. The first time around, Napheesa Collier did not play due to injury. 

It was the second night of a back-to-back for Minnesota, while this was the first game for Indiana in over a week. Both teams came into the game undefeated post-Olympic break and looked to make a push to get in the playoffs.

Game Recap 

After a slow start for both teams, the Lynx got it going and quickly pushed the lead. They went on a 23-8 run to end the first quarter. Collier had 10 points on 50% FG in less than ten minutes. Carleton also had 10 points on 75% FG. 

Minnesota led by as many as 13 before Indiana went on an 18-7 run to cut the lead to two. Indiana started the second quarter with nine consecutive field goals, while the Lynx started turning the ball over after a clean first quarter. 

The Fever scored 28 points in the second quarter and held the Lynx to 16. The Fever also crashed the glass, grabbing 27 rebounds to the Lynx’s 14. It was a one-point game at the half, setting up to be an exciting second half. 

Caitlin Clark scored 11 points in the second quarter on 80% FG and also made two three-pointers after missing her first three attempts. She had 15 in the first half. Kelsey Mitchell had 13 points in the first half but picked up three quick fouls. Napheesa Collier had 17 points to lead all scorers. 

The Lynx began the third quarter on a 16-5 run to extend their lead back to double digits. It was similar to the first quarter, where Minnesota immediately took control on both ends of the floor. Kayla McBride got it going with seven quick points after just four points in the first half. 

The Fever had multiple opportunities to score, and there was a point where they had four offensive rebounds on one possession. They failed to capitalize on the opportunities, and the Lynx continued their run. Just like the first quarter, Indiana scored just 16 points in the third quarter. 

Indiana got off to a good start in the fourth quarter and got it within three. It would be a different story than the second quarter due to Minnesota going on a 14-2 run to extend the lead once again. They led by as many as 15, which was the largest of the game. They never looked back and ran away with the win 90-80. 

Napheesa Collier led the Lynx with 31 points on 66.7% FG along with five rebounds. Kayla McBride finished with 19 points and four assists. Bridget Carleton finished with 16 points on 62.5% FG along with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Courtney Williams finished with 10 points on 55.6% FG along with four rebounds and six assists. 

Caitlin Clark led the Fever with 23 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Kelsey Mitchell finished with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Aliyah Boston finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Lexie Hull finished with 10 points on 80% FG.

With this win, Minnesota clinched a spot in the playoffs. They are the second team to clinch a playoff spot, right behind the New York Liberty. Coincidentally, Minnesota beating Indiana helped Connecticut clinch a spot in the playoffs as well. 

23 Hangs in the Rafters 

It was a special night for the Minnesota Lynx, and not just because of the Caitlin Clark versus Napheesa Collier battle. It was the night of Maya Moore’s jersey retirement. She is the last starter from the dynasty to have their jersey retired. 

Former Lynx players Lindsay Whalen, Sylvia Fowles, Seimone Augustus, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Janel McCarville, and Rebekkah Brunson (current Lynx assistant coach) were in attendance. 

All the Lynx players came in with their Maya Moore jerseys and wore t-shirts on the court during pregame. The Fever players also wore Maya Moore t-shirts during their pregame warmups. Temi Fagbenle and Cecilia Zandalasini were both on the 2017 Lynx championship team.

Caitlin Clark has spoken about Moore being her favorite player growing up and the impact she has had on her. Napheesa Collier has talked about her path being almost identical to Moore: being from Jefferson City, attending UConn, and getting drafted number one overall by the Lynx. 

4x champion, 6x WNBA All-Star, 3x WNBA All-Star MVP, WNBA MVP, and WNBA Finals MVP are just a few of the accolades Moore has achieved throughout her career. Her legacy both on and off the court will never be forgotten and No. 23 will live forever in the rafters at Target Center. 

Photo Courtesy: @minnesotalynx/X

(Photo credit: John McClellan/The Next)