McBride broke the previous single-game record of nine made three-pointers, a mark that had been achieved eight times by six different players. The record-breaking basket came with 2:23 remaining in the fourth quarter when McBride caught a bounce pass from Napheesa Collier, squared her feet beyond the three-point line near the left corner in front of the Lynx bench, and buried her 10th triple to push Minnesota ahead 98-83. She left the game shortly after with 1:21 remaining to a standing ovation.
Kayla McBride Breaks WNBA Single-Game Three-Point Record
Whether the ball goes in or doesn’t, I just feel so much love.
I think that’s why I can come out here and do my thing.
I feel so loved and appreciated for who I am and I just love the game.
I want to win.
Lynx Clinch Playoff Berth and Franchise Records
With the victory, the Minnesota Lynx improved to 27-7 on the season and became the first team in the WNBA to clinch a spot in the playoffs. The team also set a franchise record with 18 made three-pointers in the contest, shooting 18-of-39 overall from deep.
Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve praised McBride’s relentless work ethic following the physical matchup, which took place on the second half of a back-to-back and marked the team’s third game in four days. She’s just a pro’s pro,
Reeve said. When you show up the next day, good win yesterday, Thursday quick turnaround. Mac knows you can’t make excuses, you’ve got to show up for your team. She’s an All-WNBA player, it’s disgraceful she was not an All-Star.
The Lynx held a narrow 47-45 lead at halftime after a late push that featured a layup by Collier and a step-back three-pointer by Miles with 1.0 second remaining on the clock. Minnesota then outscored Dallas 29-23 in the third quarter to create separation. Olivia Miles contributed a double-double with 20 points and a season-high 13 assists, while Napheesa Collier added 17 points and Natasha Howard chipped in 12.
Dallas Wings Struggle Through Injuries and Recent Skid
The visitors faced an early setback when forward Jessica Shepard left the game in the first quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return. Shepard, who played for Minnesota last season and entered the contest ranked second in the WNBA with 11.7 rebounds per game, finished without a point in five minutes of action.
Despite the loss, Dallas received strong performances from Paige Bueckers, who recorded 23 points and eight assists, and Aziaha James, who added a season-high 19 points off the bench. Odyssey Sims scored 17 points, and Alanna Smith posted 11 points and eight rebounds. The Wings also played without rookie Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick, who missed her second consecutive game due to right knee soreness.
Following Sunday’s matchup, the Dallas Wings are scheduled to host Toronto on Wednesday, while the Minnesota Lynx will travel to play the Portland Fire on Wednesday night.
Keep reading