Lynx bounce back from first loss, demolish Sparks as Collier dominates

After suffering their first loss of the season on Wednesday in Seattle, the Minnesota Lynx were eager to bounce back in Saturday's matinee game against the Los Angeles Sparks. And that's exactly what they did. Behind a dominant first half from Napheesa Collier, the Lynx led by 32 points at the break and coasted to a 101-78 win in LA.

Collier set the tone, outscoring the Sparks 16 to 15 by herself in the first quarter. She had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in the quarter, making seven of nine shot attempts, and the Lynx led by 19 points after just 10 minutes of play. 

By halftime, Collier was up to 26/6/6 and still had as many points as the entire Sparks team. The Lynx shot 66 percent in the first half and led 58-26. LA had more turnovers (11) than made shots (7) in the half.

The Sparks won both the third and fourth quarters to make the final score a bit closer after the Lynx had led by as much as 35.

Collier finished with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals, making 13 of her 16 shot attempts. It was the third 30-point game of the season for the WNBA's leading scorer and MVP favorite.

Courtney Williams added 17 points for Minnesota. Natisha Hiedeman scored 14 off the bench, and recent addition Maria Kliundikova had 11 points, 5 boards, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. Kelsey Plum and Rickea Jackson combined for 38 points for LA.

The Lynx improved to 10-1 with the victory, which was part of the WNBA Commissioner's Cup action. The Sparks fell to 4-8.

Many Lynx fans in the Twin Cities were unable to watch the game on TV. It was broadcast nationally on CBS, but the local affiliate, WCCO, aired coverage of the Saturday assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband.

Next up for the Lynx is a home game on Tuesday night against the Las Vegas Aces.