18
Jun
Match Report
Smith's double-double helps Lynx over Aces
Alanna Smith #8 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots in the second quarter against the Dallas Wings at Target Center on May 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo: Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images
The Opals star continued her impressive season as Minnesota's form rolls on.
- Opals star Alanna Smith had 10 points and 13 rebounds as Minnesota beat Las Vegas
- Minnesota's record now stands at 11-1 for the season
- Smith and the Lynx lost in the WNBA Finals last season to Opals coach Sandy Brondello and the New York Liberty
Australia's Alanna Smith has continued her impressive form this WNBA season with an impressive double-double as her Minnesota Lynx dominated the Las Vegas Aces 76-62 to solidify their standing as a title contender this year.
The Lynx established their dominance early against the defending champions, overcoming an 18-15 first-quarter deficit to take control of the game. Minnesota's defence stepped up significantly in the third quarter, limiting the Aces to just 13 points while building a four-point lead heading into the final period.
A pivotal sequence came with 7:36 remaining in the fourth quarter when Courtney Williams drained a three-pointer to put the Lynx up 63-54, extending their lead to nine points. This shot ignited a 13-3 run that effectively put the game out of reach for Las Vegas.
Williams was exceptional for Minnesota, scoring 12 points including a crucial three-pointer during the fourth-quarter surge. The guard showed tremendous poise under pressure, connecting on key jumpers that maintained the Lynx's momentum throughout the contest.
Opals big Smith had 10 points and 13 rebounds, making her presence felt at both ends of the floor. Smith was particularly effective in the fourth quarter, scoring four points in the final 1:13 to help seal the victory. Her layup with 18 seconds remaining put an exclamation point on the win.
Minnesota's balanced attack was too much for Las Vegas to handle, with the Lynx shooting 38.2% from the field compared to the Aces' 35.9%. The Lynx dominated the glass, outrebounding the Aces 40-34, including 14 offensive rebounds that led to crucial second-chance points.
With this win, the Lynx improved to an impressive 10-1 record, solidifying their position atop the WNBA standings, while Las Vegas fell to 5-5, continuing their inconsistent start to the season.
