Napheesa Collier scores 25 as Lynx top Wings

Napheesa Collier scored 25 points to lead the Minnesota Lynx to a commanding 96-71 victory over the Dallas Wings on September 1, 2025, with Natisha Hiedeman contributing a career-high 20 points and 10 assists for her first double-double. The Lynx, already clinched as the top playoff seed, displayed offensive efficiency with 55% field goal shooting and 58% from three-point range, overwhelming the struggling Wings. Collier was exceptionally efficient, making all four of her three-point attempts while shooting 7 for 10 overall, and Courtney Williams added 15 points and nine assists, with Bridget Carleton scoring 12 points. The team’s unselfish play was evident in their 29 assists, contrasting sharply with the Wings’ 39% shooting from the field and 20% from beyond the arc. Paige Bueckers led Dallas with 17 points, while Maddy Siegrist, Amy Okonkwo, and Diamond Miller each added 12, but their efforts were insufficient against Minnesota’s depth and execution. The game was competitive early, with the Wings tying the score at 32 in the second quarter after a jumper from Bueckers, but the Lynx responded with a burst of three-pointers from Williams, Carleton, and Hiedeman to seize control. Collier’s three-pointer just before halftime extended the lead to 44-34, and Minnesota entered the break with a 48-41 advantage. In the third quarter, Hiedeman scored 10 points, including a key three-pointer that pushed the lead to 71-59, setting the stage for a dominant fourth quarter where the Lynx outscored the Wings 25-12. Despite resting Kayla McBride and losing DiJonai Carrington to a shoulder injury in the second half, Minnesota’s bench and defensive efforts limited Dallas’ opportunities, highlighting the team’s resilience and preparation for the postseason. With this win, the Lynx improve to 32-8, reinforcing their status as league leaders and extending their franchise record for wins, while the Wings fall to 9-33, remaining at the bottom of the standings. Minnesota now looks ahead to a three-game road trip starting with a matchup against the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, while Dallas will face the Golden State Valkyries, as both teams finalize their strategies for the end of the regular season. This victory solidifies the Lynx’s position as championship contenders, showcasing their balanced attack and defensive prowess, while the Wings continue to focus on player development and rebuilding for future campaigns.