Minnesota’s 10-game streak ended at home. The Los Angeles Sparks won 89-82, closing on an 8-0 run. Days after the 108-100 win over the Fever, the WNBA leaders learned empty final minutes still cost.
How the finish broke
Kayla McBride’s three with 4:53 left made it 82-81 — Minnesota’s last make. Then 0-for-7, no points, and Sparks paint control. Ogwumike put LA ahead; Wheeler and Akoa Makani finished the run. Lynx shot 27.8% in the fourth and 1-of-8 from three.
Miles’ 23 was not enough
Olivia Miles had 23 points, eight boards and five assists — her fifth 20/5/5 game. Rae Burrell led LA with 17; Hamby and Ogwumike had 16 each. Minnesota is now 25-7. The streak aura is gone; closing discipline is the next box.
Seed race impact
Top seed remains realistic, but the job shifts from extending a streak to protecting tempo. Sparks (12-18) finally beat Minnesota this season. Prior context: Fever report; feed /basketball.
After the streak snap, Minnesota must avoid chaotic late shots. The half-court structure that beat Fever still exists — only late calm disappeared. Sparks need the paint edge to travel against West mid-pack sides, or 12-18 stays a blip.
After the streak snap, Minnesota must avoid chaotic late shots. The half-court structure that beat Fever still exists — only late calm disappeared. Sparks need the paint edge to travel against West mid-pack sides, or 12-18 stays a blip.
After the streak snap, Minnesota must avoid chaotic late shots. The half-court structure that beat Fever still exists — only late calm disappeared. Sparks need the paint edge to travel against West mid-pack sides, or 12-18 stays a blip.
Minnesota’s next home stretch must restore late-clock roles: who holds at ±2, who crashes glass, who skips empty early threes.
FAQ
Final score?
Sparks 89, Lynx 82.
Who ended the streak?
An 8-0 closing run led by Burrell/Wheeler/Ogwumike.
How long was Minnesota’s streak?
10 straight — first since 2016.
Lynx record now?
25-7, still WNBA’s best.
Bottom line
The streak died in a blank finish, not a bad start. Minnesota remains the West favourite — if they close games without streak aura.
