Minnesota Lynx defeated Toronto Tempo 104-72 on Thursday night in the Women’s National Basketball Association, with Napheesa Collier leading the way with 16 points as the visitors seized control in the second quarter and never looked back at Scotiabank Arena.
There were no goal scorers to chart in this fixture, but the decisive stretch arrived before halftime. After a relatively even opening quarter, with Toronto edging the first 10 minutes 19-18, Minnesota raised the tempo in the second period and put together a 32-point quarter to turn the match firmly in its favor. That swing gave the Lynx a 50-41 lead at the break and shifted the tactical balance completely.
From there, Minnesota’s execution was simply too clean. The Lynx moved the ball well, finishing with 26 assists, and combined that with efficient shooting across the board. They converted 48.2 percent from the floor and 44.8 percent from three-point range, knocking down 13 shots from beyond the arc. Toronto, by contrast, stayed competitive in patches but could not sustain stops, particularly through the third quarter when Minnesota added another 31 points.
The third period effectively settled the contest. Toronto managed only 14 points in the quarter, while the Lynx continued to find space and punish rotations. By the time the final period began, Minnesota had stretched the margin beyond reach, and the closing stages were about game management rather than a late rally.
Key performers
Collier’s 16 points set the tone for a balanced Minnesota display, while Courtney Williams added control in possession with five assists. Natasha Howard led the Lynx on the glass with eight rebounds as the visitors finished with a 36-26 advantage on the boards.
For Toronto, Laura Juskaite was the standout performer with 19 points and five rebounds, while Julie Allemand supplied six assists. The Tempo did find some rhythm from long range, hitting 10 three-pointers at 35.7 percent, but their 54.5 percent mark at the line and difficulty containing Minnesota’s ball movement left them chasing the match for most of the night.
NerdSports Stat: Minnesota outscored Toronto 63-31 across the middle two quarters, the stretch that turned a one-point first-quarter deficit into a comfortable road victory.
The result strengthens Minnesota’s position near the top of the table, with the Lynx improving to 24-6 and continuing their excellent road form at 13-2. Toronto drops to 10-18 and will need a sharper defensive response in its next fixture after conceding 104 on home court in front of an announced crowd of 18,145.
Frequently Asked Questions
There were no goal scorers in this Women’s National Basketball Association fixture.
Toronto Tempo 72 – 104 Minnesota Lynx.
Minnesota Lynx improved to 24-6 and remain among the league leaders, while Toronto Tempo fell to 10-18 and remain under pressure in the standings.
Laura Juskaite was the standout performer with 19 points and five rebounds, although Napheesa Collier led the winning side with 16 points.
