Minnesota improved to 18-3 on the season after they had a five-game winning streak ended last time out, while Los Angeles (6-14) fell to 11th place in the 13-team WNBA.

The Lynx led by 10 at half-time and built a 27-point lead late in the third quarter before the Sparks used a 17-0 run spanning the end of the third and beginning of the fourth to pull within 80-70.

Minnesota, though, settled down and was able to stay ahead by double digits for most of the final quarter.

The Lynx were led by reserve guard Natisha Hiedeman, who tied a season high with 18 points, while Western Conference Player of the Month for June and 2025 All-Star captain Napheesa Collier contributed 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Kelsey Plum had 17 points and a season-best 12 assists to pace Los Angeles, which lost for the seventh time in nine games.

this team is special. pic.twitter.com/SrCtCXsGaQ

— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 10, 2025

Mystics close with big run in win

Brittney Sykes scored 18 points, Shakira Austin had 16 points and eight rebounds, and the Washington Mystics closed on a 12-2 run to beat the short-handed Las Vegas Aces 70-68.

Jewell Loyd led Las Vegas (9-11) with 20 points while Chelsea Gray added 13.

Reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson did not play for Las Vegas because of an injured right wrist. Wilson, a three-time MVP, was injured in the Aces’ 87-78 loss at New York on Tuesday night when she fell hard to the floor. She underwent an MRI, but the Aces have not made the results public.

Washington trailed 66-58 with 3:45 remaining but Austin grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back with 39.8 seconds left to give Washington its first lead, 69-68, since it was 15-13 in the first quarter.

Las Vegas had three chances to take the lead at the other end but came up empty.

YUH. WHAT THEY SAID. @united pic.twitter.com/h2bx2rihKx

— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 11, 2025