When the Lynx played the New York Liberty four times in a three-week span just over a month ago, there was plenty of talk about it being a possible preview of a WNBA Finals rematch.
With the league’s best record, Minnesota has continued to do its part in making that happen. While the Liberty have faded, Thursday’s Lynx opponent entered with 12 straight wins and in a tight battle to finish second before the playoffs begin Sept. 14.
In a matchup of arguably the two best teams in the league right now, Las Vegas made it 13 in a row by pulling away early in the fourth quarter for a 97-87 win over the Lynx. The last Aces’ loss was 111-58 at home to Minnesota Aug. 2.
Through three quarters both teams were shooting better than 50%, the Aces had one more turnover at 9-8 and rebounds were 19-18 Lynx.
Up by four starting the final quarter, Las Vegas turned up its defensive intensity, made six of its first eight shots, and used a 9-1 run for an 85-72 lead with 4:42 left.
Minnesota was 2 for 6 with four turnovers to that point in the quarter. With the postseason No. 1 seed locked up, the Lynx’s starters sat the rest of the game. The Lynx have three games left.
Natisha Hiedeman led Minnesota (32-9) with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists off the bench. Courtney Williams had 14 points, Alanna Smith 13 and Napheesa Collier 12. The Lynx shot 53.7% from the field, making at least 51.5% in five of the past six outings.
A’ja Wilson led Las Vegas (27-14) with 31 points and eight rebounds. Jackie Young added 20 points. The Aces shot 55.1%.
“It was disappointing to waste a solid offensive effort,” coach Cheryl Reeve said after the game. “It means our defense didn’t rise to the occasion. We were pretty pedestrian.”
Up by three at the break, the Aces used an 11-4 run midway through the third quarter for a 63-55 lead. Minnesota got seven straight points by Hiedeman, including a 3-pointer after an aggressive offensive rebound by Bridget Carleton.
Carleton, who had four 3-pointers Monday, made three triples early but did not take another shot.
The Lynx played without high-energy DiJonai Carrington, who is day to day with a left shoulder subluxation.
“I know it’s improved. We want to make sure she’s ready when she gets back on the floor,” Reeve said pregame.
Wilson scored 17 points and Las Vegas had a 47-44 lead after an opening half where neither team led by more than five points and both teams shot over 50%. Every Lynx starter had at least seven points, led by 10 from Williams.
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