MINNEAPOLIS — Kayla McBride scored 22 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, as the Minnesota Lynx held off the Los Angeles Sparks 96-87 on Wednesday night. The victory came despite a late ankle injury to Sparks rookie Olivia Miles that shifted the game’s momentum but could not stop the Lynx.
McBride’s performance was the difference in a tightly contested matchup. The veteran guard shot 7-of-13 from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point range. In the final five minutes, with the game tied at 85, she scored eight points on a series of step-back jumpers and backdoor cuts.
How to Watch the Lynx vs. Sparks Showdown
For fans wanting to rewatch the game, the broadcast aired nationally on ESPN2 at 7:00 PM CT. Streaming replays are available on the WNBA League Pass and ESPN+ platforms. Both teams wore their standard home whites (Lynx) and road purples (Sparks). Target Center held a “Pride Night” promotion, with 2,000 fans receiving rainbow-themed Lynx scarves.
The Olivia Miles Injury
Miles, the Sparks’ leading scorer (18.3 PPG), went down with 4:21 left in the fourth quarter. She drove baseline and stepped on a Lynx defender’s foot, rolling her left ankle. She was helped to the locker room and did not return. X-rays were negative, sources told ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel. Her status for Friday’s game against the Chicago Sky is listed as day-to-day. The Sparks were outscored 11-2 in the final 4:21 after Miles exited.
Key Plays and Defensive Adjustments
The final two minutes belonged to McBride. With the Lynx leading 90-87, she hit a contested 25-foot three-pointer over Sparks guard Lexie Brown. On the next possession, she stripped Brown at midcourt, leading to a fastbreak layup by Napheesa Collier.
The Lynx’s half-court defense tightened after Miles’ injury. They switched all screens, forcing Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike into contested jumpers. Ogwumike finished 6-of-16 from the field. Minnesota also grabbed three offensive rebounds in the final two minutes, extending possessions.
Standings Implications
The win improves the Lynx to 16-8, moving them into sole possession of second place in the WNBA standings, behind only the New York Liberty (19-5). The Sparks fall to 12-12, dropping to sixth place. If Miles misses extended time, Los Angeles’s playoff seeding is in jeopardy. The Lynx now hold a 2.5-game lead over the Sparks for home-court advantage in the first round.
| Team | Record | Streak | GB (Playoff Seeding) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Liberty | 19-5 | W3 | — |
| Minnesota Lynx | 16-8 | W2 | 3.0 |
| Los Angeles Sparks | 12-12 | L2 | 7.0 |
McBride’s veteran poise was the deciding factor. In the post-game press conference, she stated: “I just read the defense. They were giving me the right side of the floor. I took what they gave me.”
The Lynx next face the Dallas Wings on Friday. The Sparks host the Chicago Sky on the same night, with Miles’ status uncertain.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What was Kayla McBride’s key contribution in the Lynx vs. Sparks game?
- A: McBride scored 22 points, with 11 in the fourth quarter, including eight points in the final five minutes on step-back jumpers and backdoor cuts, leading the Lynx to a 96-87 win.
- Q: How did Olivia Miles’ injury affect the game?
- A: Miles injured her left ankle with 4:21 left in the fourth quarter and did not return. The Sparks were outscored 11-2 after her exit, shifting momentum to the Lynx.
- Q: Where can I watch replays of the Lynx vs. Sparks game?
- A: The game aired on ESPN2. Replays are available on the WNBA League Pass and ESPN+ platforms.
- Q: What is Olivia Miles’ status for the next game?
- A: Miles is listed as day-to-day after X-rays were negative for her left ankle injury. Her status for Friday’s game against the Chicago Sky is uncertain.
Extended Reading
For full game replay and highlights, visit the WNBA League Pass. For official team news and injury reports, refer to the WNBA’s media site. The team’s jersey sales and event schedules are available at the Target Center box office.