Pro Sports

Collier, McBride help Lynx beat Liberty 72-66

Posted August 31, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) shoots next to New York Liberty guard Rebecca Allen (9) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Minneapolis. (Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP) The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Kayla McBride scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Napheesa Collier added 21 points and 14 boards, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the New York Liberty 72-66 on Tuesday night.

Minnesota (16-9) has won three straight games and nine of its last 11. The Lynx pulled within a half-game of Seattle for the No. 3 seed in the playoffs with seven games to play.

Sabrina Ionescu hit a 3-pointer to trim New York's deficit to 65-63 with 1:32 left. Bridget Carleton answered with a 3 on the other end and, after an empty possession by each team, Michaela Onyenwere was fouled as she shot a corner 3 and made all three free throws to make it 68-66 with 23.3 seconds to go. Kayla McBride made 4 of 4, and Aerial Powers 2 of 2, from the free-throw line from there to seal it.

Ionescu and Betnijah Laney scored 17 points apiece to lead New York (11-17). Onyenwere, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft, finished with 11 points and a career-high 10 rebounds - her first career double-double.

The Liberty have lost five in a row.

Sylvia Fowles (shoulder) and Layshia Clarendon (foot) did not play for Minnesota and the Lynx lost another starter when Damiris Dantas (foot) left the game in the third quarter and did not return.

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) shoots around New York Liberty forward Natasha Howard (6) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Minneapolis. (Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP) The Associated Press

Minnesota Lynx guard Rachel Banham (15) shoots next to New York Liberty guard Rebecca Allen (9) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Minneapolis. (Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP) The Associated Press

Minnesota Lynx forward/guard Aerial Powers (3) reacts after being called for a foul on New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Minneapolis. (Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP) The Associated Press

Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) shoots against the New York Liberty during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Minneapolis. (Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP) The Associated Press

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