The Los Angeles Sparks secured an 89-82 road win over the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center on Thursday, pulling away with a decisive 23-11 fourth quarter. Rae Burrell led Los Angeles with 17 points, while the visitors’ late defensive control and ball movement settled this WNBA fixture.
Minnesota made the brighter start, taking the opening quarter 22-21 before extending its advantage to 48-40 by halftime. The Lynx maintained their edge through the third period, leading 71-66 entering the final quarter, with Olivia Miles setting the tone through a 23-point, eight-rebound performance.
But Los Angeles found another level in the closing 10 minutes. The Sparks limited Minnesota to 11 fourth-quarter points while producing 23 of their own, turning a six-point deficit into a seven-point victory. It was a composed response on the road from a side that had trailed for much of the evening.
The statistical contrast behind the turnaround was Los Angeles’ efficiency and shared creation. The Sparks shot 50.0 percent from the floor, compared with Minnesota’s 42.5 percent, and recorded 27 assists to the Lynx’s 17. Both teams made nine three-pointers and collected 35 rebounds, making Los Angeles’ execution in open play and its final-quarter discipline the separating factors.
Key performers
Burrell finished as the Sparks’ leading scorer with 17 points. Dearica Hamby supplied a valuable all-around contribution of 16 points and nine rebounds, while Erica Wheeler orchestrated the offense with nine assists.
For Minnesota, Miles carried the heaviest scoring load with 23 points and added eight rebounds. Napheesa Collier contributed six assists, but the Lynx could not sustain their attacking rhythm after the third quarter.
NerdSports Stat: Los Angeles erased a six-point deficit after three quarters by winning the fourth 23-11, a 12-point swing that accounted for the entire seven-point margin of victory.
The result leaves Minnesota with a 25-7 record and Los Angeles at 12-18, according to the match data. The Lynx will look to quickly regain their late-match consistency, while the Sparks can take confidence from a road performance built on efficient shooting and collective ball movement. Details of each side’s next fixture were not provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
No soccer-style goals were recorded, as this was a WNBA basketball match. Rae Burrell led the Sparks with 17 points.
Minnesota Lynx 82 – 89 Los Angeles Sparks.
Minnesota are listed at 25-7, while Los Angeles are listed at 12-18. Specific table positions were not provided.
Dearica Hamby was the standout performer with 16 points and nine rebounds for Los Angeles.
