Napheesa Collier scored 23 points and Courtney Williams added a season-high 22, helping the Minnesota Lynx defeat the Las Vegas Aces 98-87 on Wednesday night.
Minnesota beat the two-time defending champions at home for the second time this season, having previously won 100-86 in Las Vegas in June.
The Lynx shot 55.2% in their first win and improved to 59.4% in this game, with Williams contributing 10 assists and seven rebounds. Las Vegas managed to cut a 15-point lead to 93-85 with 1:37 left, thanks to a layup by Jackie Young, but Williams responded with a key 3-pointer.
Bridget Carleton added 12 points, Kayla McBride scored 11, and Alanna Smith had 10, giving the Lynx five starters in double figures for only the second time this season.
Myisha Hines-Allen, who was acquired in a trade on Tuesday, chipped in eight points off the bench.
For Las Vegas, Young scored 26 points, making 6 of 8 from three-point range, and Kelsey Plum added 20. A’ja Wilson, who had a streak of eight straight games with 20 points and 10 rebounds, finished with 15 points and nine rebounds. Tiffany Hayes scored 12.
In the first quarter, the teams combined for 20 of 31 shots with 17 assists, and the Lynx led 26-25. Minnesota finished the half with a shooting percentage of 64.5%, leading 54-46.
The Lynx made 10 baskets in the third quarter and entered the fourth with a 62.5% shooting rate, leading 79-67.
Minnesota ended the game shooting 59% (38 of 64), including 11 of 19 from three-point range (58%), and recorded 28 assists.
The teams will face off again in Minnesota on Friday, where the Aces previously won 80-66 in May.
