Lynx 91-87 Storm Overview: August 5, 2025, Game Recap

Lynx Extend Win Streak to Seven,Storm Suffer Third Straight Loss Amidst Injury Concerns

SEATTLE – The Minnesota Lynx continued their dominant form,securing a victory over the Seattle Storm while navigating an injury to star player Napheesa Collier.The Lynx now boast a 25-5 record, winning seven of their last eight contests, while the Storm fall to 16-14, enduring their third consecutive defeat.

McBride led the Lynx scoring with 14 points,bolstered by a strong second-half performance from Bridget Carleton,who contributed 12 points including four crucial 3-pointers.

Nneka Ogwumike spearheaded the Storm’s offense with a game-high 23 points, concurrently etching her name further into WNBA history. With this performance, Ogwumike surpassed both Lauren Jackson and DeWanna Bonner to claim the seventh spot for most career games with 20 or more points scored, totaling 140 such games.

Erica Wheeler added 19 points for Seattle, with Dominique Malonga and Skylar Diggins chipping in 12 and 11 points respectively.Despite the offensive contributions, the Storm struggled to contain the Lynx’s momentum.

A notable defensive performance came from Gabby Williams, who recorded nine points and three steals, breaking Seattle’s single-season steals record with a total of 77 steals this season.She surpassed Natasha Howard’s previous record of 74 steals set in 2019.

The Lynx played without Napheesa Collier, sidelined due to a right ankle injury sustained during their dominant win against Las Vegas on Saturday. Collier, a strong contender for WNBA MVP, is currently a heavy favorite with Sportsbook.

Seattle also faced injury setbacks, with Tiffany Mitchell leaving the game in the fourth quarter after a blocked layup attempt and did not return.

In a notable roster move, the Storm traded Alysha Clark, zia Cooke, and a 2026 first-round pick to the Washington Mystics earlier Tuesday, acquiring All-Star Brittney sykes in return. Sykes, a four-time all-defensive team selection, currently averages 15.4 points,4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Looking Ahead:

The Lynx will return home to host the Mystics on friday. The Storm will travel to Las vegas to face the Aces.

WNBA Ancient Context:

Nneka Ogwumike’s ascent to seventh in career 20+ point games underscores the league’s evolving landscape of dominant players. The WNBA has consistently showcased exceptional talent, and Ogwumike’s achievement highlights the longevity and consistency required to reach such milestones. The record-breaking steals performance by Gabby Williams also exemplifies the increasing emphasis on defensive prowess in the modern WNBA, a trend that is reshaping game strategies and player evaluations.

What impact did Cheryl Reeve’s halftime adjustments have on the lynx’s performance in the second half?

Key Game Statistics & Scoring Summary

The Minnesota Lynx secured a hard-fought 91-87 victory over the Seattle Storm on August 5, 2025. This WNBA matchup delivered a thrilling contest, showcasing strong offensive performances from both sides. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats:

Final Score: lynx 91 – Storm 87

Leading Scorer (Lynx): Napheesa Collier – 28 points, 9 rebounds

Leading Scorer (Storm): Jewell Loyd – 25 points, 6 assists

Rebound Advantage: Lynx – 42 rebounds to Storm’s 35

Turnovers: Lynx – 14, Storm – 16

Field Goal Percentage: Lynx – 48.4%, Storm – 45.9%

Three-Point Percentage: Lynx – 35.7%, Storm – 32.1%

First Quarter: Storm Establish Early Lead

The Seattle Storm came out strong, establishing an early lead with aggressive drives to the basket led by Jewell Loyd. The Lynx struggled to find their rhythm offensively, committing several early turnovers. Loyd’s quick scoring and effective passing allowed the storm to build a 24-18 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Key takeaways from the first 12 minutes included the Storm’s focus on getting to the free-throw line and the Lynx’s initial difficulty in containing Loyd’s penetration.

Second Quarter: Lynx Respond with Offensive Surge

The second quarter saw a important shift in momentum as the lynx found their offensive groove. Napheesa collier began to assert herself,scoring consistently both inside and from mid-range. Improved ball movement and a more focused defensive effort allowed Minnesota to close the gap. The Lynx outscored the Storm 26-20 in the second quarter, tying the game at 44-44 heading into halftime. This quarter highlighted the importance of Collier’s versatility and the Lynx’s ability to adjust their offensive strategy.

Third Quarter: Back-and-Forth Battle

The third quarter was a tightly contested back-and-forth affair. Both teams traded baskets, with neither able to gain a significant advantage. The Storm relied heavily on Jewell Loyd’s scoring ability, while the lynx continued to distribute the ball effectively, with contributions from multiple players. The quarter ended with the Lynx holding a narrow 68-65 lead. This period demonstrated the competitive balance between these two WNBA contenders.

Fourth Quarter: Lynx Close Out Victory

The Lynx closed out the game with a strong fourth quarter performance, fueled by clutch shooting and solid defense. Napheesa Collier continued her dominant play, scoring crucial points down the stretch.The Lynx also benefited from key contributions from their bench players.Despite a late push from the Storm, Minnesota was able to maintain their lead and secure the 91-87 victory. The Lynx’s ability to execute in the final minutes proved to be the difference.

Player Performances: Standout Contributors

Napheesa Collier (Lynx): A dominant performance with 28 points and 9 rebounds, showcasing her all-around game.Collier was consistently a threat on offense and played a key role in the Lynx’s victory.

Jewell loyd (Storm): Loyd led the Storm with 25 points and 6 assists, demonstrating her scoring prowess and playmaking ability.

Kayla McBride (Lynx): Contributed 18 points and 4 assists,providing valuable support to collier.

* Erica Wheeler (Storm): Added 15 points and 3 assists off the bench for the Storm.

Coaching Adjustments & Strategic Takeaways

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve made key adjustments at halftime, emphasizing ball movement and defensive rotations. These adjustments proved crucial in turning the tide of the game. The Storm, coached by Noelle Quinn, struggled to find consistent offensive options beyond Jewell Loyd in the second half. The game highlighted the importance of coaching adjustments and the ability to adapt to changing game situations.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

This victory is significant for the Minnesota Lynx as they continue to push for a higher seed in the WNBA playoffs. The loss is a setback for the Seattle Storm, who are also vying for playoff positioning. Both teams will need to continue to improve and refine their strategies as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. The WNBA standings remain competitive, and every game carries significant weight.

Lynx vs. Storm: Historical Context

The rivalry between the Lynx and the Storm has been a consistent highlight of the WNBA season for years. Historically, these matchups have been characterized by intense competition and high-stakes games.Both franchises have a history of playoff success, adding to the intensity of their regular season encounters. Examining past games between these two teams reveals a pattern of close contests and dramatic finishes. This August 5th game continued