The Minnesota Lynx held off Portland 85-81 after nearly giving back a 29-point lead. Napheesa Collier had 20 and 9, Kayla McBride 19. The WNBA leaders (28-7) have won 13 of 14, but the finish was a warning.
Collapse, then close
Minnesota opened the second quarter 23-4 and led 64-35. Portland answered 29-4 across the break, including 13-0 to start the fourth. Engstler missed the second free throw that would have tied it at 78. McBride’s layup at 1:25 and Miles’ free throws sealed it. Howard had 14 and 12. Carleton led the Fire with 16 against her former club.
Playoff math is done; fourth quarters are not
The berth is already clinched after McBride’s 10-threes night. Saturday’s trip to Las Vegas is the next seed game. Early blowouts will not survive playoff defense. The 29-4 run belongs in the film room before Vegas.
What Portland showed
Ten Fire players scored in the first half, none with more than four. Then Oblak’s playmaking and Carleton’s shooting turned a blowout into a one-possession game. Expansion teams live on those stretches. Minnesota lives on not repeating them in October.
The Lynx’s fourth quarter went quiet from the arc and lived at the line. That almost cost them against an expansion club. Playoff teams will not gift a 29-point cushion.
McBride did not chase another 43-point night. She took the layup that ended the panic. Collier and Howard did the dirty work. The win was assembled by role, then nearly donated.
Saturday in Las Vegas will not start at +29. Minnesota must decide who closes possessions after two straight misses. If the pause returns, the Aces take the quarter first.
FAQ
Score?
Lynx 85-81. Collier 20, McBride 19, Howard 14-12.
How big was the lead?
29 points. Portland cut it to one possession.
Next?
Lynx at Las Vegas on Saturday.
Bottom line
Minnesota won a game it almost gave away. The seed is safe; the fourth-quarter habit is not.
