Rookie Alissa Pili played a season-high 22 minutes, leading the Lynx with eight points
With the No. 2 seed already clinched, the Minnesota Lynx took on the Los Angeles Sparks at Target Center to close out the WNBA regular season.
The Lynx were without All-Stars Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride who were both out resting for the upcoming playoffs. Dorka Juhász also missed the game with a right foot injury.
Before the game, Bridget Carleton was named Minnesota’s 2024 recipient of the Sylvia Fowles Altruism Award. The award recognizes a Lynx player who best embodies the altruistic traits of kindness, selflessness, and overall regard for the well-being of others throughout the community.
no one more deserving. ☺️ pic.twitter.com/rBLvBY3DD3
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 20, 2024
The Lynx would struggle with turnovers to start the game, giving it up 11 times before the halfway mark of the second quarter. These miscues led to 15 points off turnovers for the Sparks, giving them a 34-19 mid-way through the second quarter.
The Lynx would be able to limit the turnovers and go on an 11-4 run to close out the half, limiting the Los Angeles lead to just eight points at halftime.
Lynx rookie Alissa Pili would play 10 first-half minutes, making this three off the assist from Cecilia Zandalasini.
don’t leave her open. pic.twitter.com/oLGRIiKhhE
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 20, 2024
Both teams would struggle to score coming out of the halftime locker room, combining for just five points over the first four and a half minutes of the third quarter. The Lynx would finally be able to take the lid of their basket, going on a 7-0 run, capped off with a three-pointer by Natisha Hiedeman, cutting the Sparks lead to just five.
The Sparks would fight back, making three of their final four shots to close out the frame, taking a 53-44 lead into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Lynx offense would go quiet again, scoring just seven points while making just one of their 15 shots. Minnesota ended up falling to the Sparks 68-51 to close out the regular season.
No Lynx player scored in double-figures with Diamond Miller and Pili leading the way with eight points each. Pili played a season-high 22 minutes, putting up two rebounds and two steals to go along with her team-high in points.
Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson led the way for the Sparks, combining for 39 points and 15 rebounds.
Up Next
The No. 2 seed Minnesota Lynx will take on Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and the No. 7 seed Phoenix Mercury in the opening round of the WNBA Playoffs. Game 1 will take place at Target Center on Sunday, September 22 at 4:00 PM CT airing on ESPN.