WNBA: Minnesota Lynx at Atlanta Dream – Notes From the Office

After a close loss to the Mystics in the DMV, the Minnesota Lynx headed to Atlanta to take on the Dream, looking to get back in the win column after a loss to the Dallas Wings. With both teams looking to right the ship only one would prevail. Atlanta was at home, and the Lynx had Napheesa Collier back in the line up.

From the tip, the Lynx seemed in control. Atlanta scored the first bucket, and then the Lynx went on a 10 – 0 run. Atlanta began to claw back. Minnesota’s largest lead in the quarter was 10 which Atlanta trimmed to 8 by the end. Collier made her presence known,. scoring 11 of her game leading 26 points in the quarter. 

It was in the second quarter that the Dream started to fight back, with all their starters contributing. They cut another three points off the Lynx lead, and went into halftime with Minnesota up 52 – 47, cutting what had been a 17 point Minnesota lead.

A Thrilling Second Half

After halftime, Atlanta came out with a head of steam, caught up to the Lynx, and then took the lead in a back and forth quarter. With Atlanta up by two points, Karlie Samuelson hit a three-point shot, and the Lynx held on to a 69 – 68 lead.

The fourth quarter was a rough and tumble affair with Atlanta pulling ahead and there Lynx playing catch up. The Dream opened up a 7 point lead on a Jordin Canada layup with 3:50 remaining. But a costly foul by Canada put Collier at the line, and with Minnesota down by two, Collier hit both free throws. 86 – 86. Overtime.

Overtime Between Minnesota and Atlanta

After Atlanta took a four point lead at 90 – 86, the Lynx went on a 10 – 2 run. The Lynx took a 92 – 90 lead on a Collier two point shot. Minnesota challenged at 54.8 seconds with the call overturned. The Lynx challenged a call again with 20.5 seconds left. Call overturned. Kayla McBride hit a pair of free throws at 17.1 seconds. Allisha Gray made a lay up ay 14 seconds. Time out Lynx.

Naz Hillmon fouled McBride with 13. 1 seconds left. McBride hit another pair, putting the winning score at 96 – 92 Minnesota. Costly (for Atlanta) challenges, and timely free throws for Minnesota.