Lynx 86 - Fever 66 (9/24/2026): Howard Dominates with 21 Points

The Minnesota Lynx delivered a commanding performance at Target Center, overpowering the Indiana Fever 86-66. With this win, the Lynx improved their season record to 33-11, maintaining their lead in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Fever, holding a 28-16 record, had a challenging evening on the road.

Dominant Start for the Lynx

The Lynx set the tone early with a powerful first quarter, outscoring the Fever 32-13. Their aggressive play and efficient shooting left the Fever struggling to find their rhythm. Natasha Howard spearheaded this early surge for Minnesota, contributing significantly to her team's momentum.

As the second quarter unfolded, the Lynx maintained their firm grip on the game, adding another 30 points to their tally. Indiana's attempts to counter were met with stiff resistance, as they managed only 19 points. By halftime, Minnesota had established a commanding 62-32 lead.

Challenges for the Fever

Indiana's shooting woes were evident as they hit only 34.2% from the field. The three-point line was particularly unforgiving, with the Fever converting just 15.6% of their attempts. Monique Billings provided some spark with her 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to shift the momentum.

In the third quarter, the Fever's struggles continued, managing just nine points. On the defensive side, they could not contain Minnesota's offensive flow. The Lynx's ability to distribute the ball effectively, highlighted by their 28 assists, kept the Fever on their heels.

Closing Out Strong

Despite trailing significantly, the Fever showed some resilience in the fourth quarter, scoring 25 points. However, the deficit proved too large to overcome. Minnesota, although scoring just 10 points in the final quarter, had already done the heavy lifting earlier in the game.

Natasha Howard emerged as the star for Minnesota, scoring 21 points on an impressive 9-for-11 shooting. Her contribution on the boards and assists further showcased her all-around game. Nia Coffey also made her presence felt with 9 points and 4 rebounds.

For the Fever, Myisha Hines-Allen managed to contribute 6 points, but the team lacked the offensive punch needed to challenge the Lynx. The Fever committed 15 turnovers, further complicating their efforts to mount a comeback.

Indiana struggled at the free-throw line as well, converting only 55% of their opportunities. This inefficiency from the stripe hampered their ability to close the gap and capitalize on Minnesota's defensive lapses.

The Lynx, on the other hand, thrived with a 44% field goal percentage, including 37.5% from beyond the arc. Their disciplined play saw them commit just 13 turnovers, a testament to their control over the game's tempo.

With no upcoming games scheduled for either team, the Lynx and Fever will have time to reflect on their respective performances. Minnesota will look to build on this victory, while Indiana will seek to address their issues before their next outing.