Other than the New York Liberty, the Minnesota Lynx have been the hottest team in the WNBA. They entered Wednesday’s Commissioner’s Cup game with a 9-0 record, but they couldn’t make it 10-straight wins as they fell to the Seattle Storm, 94-84.
Seattle pulled off the upset by relying on their starting unit. All five scored in double figures, and Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler were a fantastic big and guard duo. Ogwumike had 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Wheeler ended the game with 20 points and nine assists.
Seattle dominated Minnesota inside, scoring 18 more points in the paint. The Storm also had complete control of the glass, outrebounding the Lynx 34-26. Napheesa Collier did her part trying to carry the Lynx, scoring 25 points and grabbing nine rebounds.
With Seattle winning, both teams now have a 3-1 record in the Commissioner’s Cup standings, although, with the head-to-head win, the Storm are in first place, putting them in position to advance to the championship game if the teams end up with the same record after all Commissioner’s Cup contests are completed.
Paige’s 35-point return not enough as Wings fall to Mercury
After missing four-straight games due to a concussion and an illness, Paige Bueckers was back—and better than ever. She scored a career-high 35 points while shooting 13-for-19 from the field.
While getting Bueckers back and her having this type of performance is exactly what the Dallas Wings needed, it didn’t result in a victory.
The Phoenix Mercury still steamrolled Dallas, 93-80. Satou Sabally scored 20 points, and the Phoenix bench outscored Dallas 34-11.
Rickea shines and A’ja exits early as Sparks get revenge on Aces
In the first game this season between Los Angeles Sparks and Las Vegas Aces, the Aces had complete control, winning 96-81. In the rematch on Wednesday, LA got back at Las Vegas, beating them 97-89.
Rickea Jackson had a career night, scoring 30 points as the Aces were unable to slow her down.
The perimeter shooting by Los Angeles also was sensational as the team went 9-for-20 from 3-point range.
For Vegas, A’ja Wilson’s night ended early after she suffered a head injury in the third quarter and never returned to the game. She was struggling from the field during her abbreviated play, scoring just 13 points on 2-for-11 shooting. The Aces continue to look nothing like championship contenders, with this loss the sub-.500 Sparks being another prime example.
On the plus side, Jackie Young had a strong game, scoring 30 points and keeping the Aces within striking distance throughout the second half.
