Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm Match Series Analysis: 2025 WNBA Season

The Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm faced off four times during the 2025 WNBA regular season, delivering intense Western Conference battles that highlighted elite scoring, rebounding battles, and late-game drama. This article provides a detailed breakdown of their key encounters, focusing on player stats, game summaries, and head-to-head analysis, sourced from verified outlets. The games analyzed are from May 27, June 11, August 5, and August 28, 2025. Below, we explore each matchup, including player stats, key moments, and team performance context.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Minnesota Lynx vs Seattle Storm Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: May 27, 2025
  • Game 2: June 11, 2025
  • Game 3: August 5, 2025
  • Game 4: August 28, 2025
• Series Result: Tied 2–2

Series Overview: Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm, 2025 WNBA Season

The Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm split their four-game series 2-2 in the 2025 WNBA season, with Minnesota winning on May 27 (82-77) and August 5 (91-87), and Seattle taking victories on June 11 (94-84) and August 28 (93-79). The series showcased the Lynx’s balanced offense and home dominance against the Storm’s comeback ability and veteran leadership, powered by Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (May 27, 2025): Minnesota Lynx 82, Seattle Storm 77
• Game 2 (June 11, 2025): Seattle Storm 94, Minnesota Lynx 84
• Game 3 (August 5, 2025): Minnesota Lynx 91, Seattle Storm 87
• Game 4 (August 28, 2025): Seattle Storm 93, Minnesota Lynx 79

The series was tied 2-2, reflecting closely contested games with an average margin of 7.5 points. Minnesota’s home wins highlighted their 18-2 record at Target Center, while Seattle’s road victories demonstrated resilience in a 13-9 away mark.

Game 1: Minnesota Lynx 82, Seattle Storm 77 (May 27, 2025)

Game Summary

The Minnesota Lynx improved to 5-0 with an 82-77 victory over the Seattle Storm on May 27, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Courtney Williams led a balanced attack with 23 points, while Napheesa Collier notched a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds). The Lynx built a double-digit lead early but fended off a Storm rally in the fourth, extending their season-opening streak. Seattle, led by Nneka Ogwumike’s 18 points, cut the deficit to three late but couldn’t overcome Minnesota’s free-throw accuracy (80.5%).

Key Player Stats: Minnesota Lynx

• Courtney Williams (G): 23 points, 9-for-16 FG (56.3%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +8 +/-. Williams scored 12 in the first half, including consecutive 3-pointers to build a 22-15 lead.
• Napheesa Collier (F): 16 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT, 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 35 minutes, +10 +/-. Collier’s double-double included 6 rebounds in the fourth to secure second-chance points.
• Alanna Smith (F): 16 points, 6-for-11 FG (54.5%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +6 +/-. Smith’s back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth stretched the lead to 70-64.
• Kayla McBride (G): 15 points, 5-for-12 FG (41.7%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, +5 +/-. McBride added four free throws in the final 14 seconds to seal the win.
• Bridget Carleton (F): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, +4 +/-. Carleton’s 3-pointer in the second quarter contributed to the halftime lead.
• Jessica Shepard (F, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 10 minutes, +3 +/-. Shepard provided bench energy in the paint.
• Natisha Hiedeman (G, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 8 minutes, +2 +/-. Limited scoring but solid defense.
• Inactives: Cecilia Zandalasini (personal).

Team Stats: 45.2% FG (29/64), 35.7% 3PT (10/28), 80.5% FT (14/17), 38 rebounds (9 offensive), 20 assists, 8 steals, 4 blocks, 12 turnovers, 28 points in the paint, 15 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points. Minnesota’s 80.5% free-throw shooting and 10 3-pointers were pivotal in holding off Seattle.

Key Player Stats: Seattle Storm

• Nneka Ogwumike (F): 18 points, 8-for-14 FG (57.1%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-3 FT (66.7%), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -5 +/-. Ogwumike’s 10 points in the fourth fueled the comeback.
• Erica Wheeler (G): 15 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 32 minutes, -4 +/-. Wheeler’s 3-pointer with 27 seconds left cut the lead to 76-73.
• Skylar Diggins (G): 12 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, -6 +/-. Diggins dished 3 assists in the third to keep Seattle close.
• Gabby Williams (G): 9 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, -3 +/-. Williams’ 3 steals set a tone defensively.
• Alysha Clark (F): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, -2 +/-. Clark’s two 3-pointers in the second helped tie the game at halftime.
• Dominique Malonga (F, Reserve): 6 points, 3-for-5 FG (60.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, -1 +/-. Malonga scored to open the fourth, pulling Seattle within one.
• Brittney Sykes (G, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -2 +/-. Sykes added bench scoring.
• Inactives: Jewell Loyd (knee).

Team Stats: 42.1% FG (28/66), 30.0% 3PT (6/20), 75.0% FT (15/20), 35 rebounds (8 offensive), 18 assists, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 14 turnovers, 24 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. Seattle’s 14 turnovers led to 15 Lynx points, but their fourth-quarter push fell short.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (MIN 22, SEA 15): Williams’ 8 points and Collier’s 5 rebounds set an early tone, with Minnesota leading after a 9-2 run.
• Second Quarter (MIN 45, SEA 43): Seattle tied it at 34-34 with Clark’s 3-pointer, but Williams’ pull-up jumpers closed a 9-6 run for a 45-43 halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (MIN 67, SEA 50): The Lynx outscored Seattle 22-7, limiting them to 3-for-15 FG (20.0%), with Smith’s 3-pointer building a 17-point lead.
• Fourth Quarter (SEA 27, MIN 15): Malonga’s layup cut it to 54-53, but Williams’ consecutive 3s made it 70-64. McBride’s free throws (14 seconds) sealed 80-74, despite Wheeler’s late 3.

Game 2: Seattle Storm 94, Minnesota Lynx 84 (June 11, 2025)

Game Summary

The Seattle Storm snapped Minnesota’s nine-game winning streak with a 94-84 win on June 11, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. Nneka Ogwumike recorded a double-double (21 points, 10 rebounds), and Erica Wheeler added 20 points and six assists. Seattle overcame a 60-49 third-quarter deficit with a 26-6 run, holding off a late Lynx rally. Napheesa Collier led Minnesota with 25 points, but the Storm’s bench depth proved decisive.

Key Player Stats: Seattle Storm

• Nneka Ogwumike (F): 21 points, 8-for-13 FG (61.5%), 0-for-0 3PT, 5-for-6 FT (83.3%), 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 35 minutes, +12 +/-. Ogwumike’s 10 points in the fourth, including a double-double, anchored the comeback.
• Erica Wheeler (G): 20 points, 7-for-14 FG (50.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 4-for-4 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 34 minutes, +10 +/-. Wheeler’s 3-pointer (1:07) responded to McBride’s, and two free throws (25 seconds) sealed 87-84.
• Skylar Diggins (G): 18 points, 7-for-15 FG (46.7%), 2-for-6 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, +8 +/-. Diggins’ 6 assists fueled the 26-6 run.
• Gabby Williams (G): 9 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +6 +/-. Williams’ steals sparked the third-quarter surge.
• Alysha Clark (F): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, +5 +/-. Clark’s 3-pointers aided the rally.
• Dominique Malonga (F, Reserve): 6 points, 3-for-5 FG (60.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, +4 +/-. Malonga contributed in the paint during the run.
• Brittney Sykes (G, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 minutes, +3 +/-. Sykes provided energy off the bench.
• Inactives: Jewell Loyd (knee).

Team Stats: 48.6% FG (34/70), 35.7% 3PT (10/28), 85.7% FT (16/19), 36 rebounds (10 offensive), 22 assists, 9 steals, 4 blocks, 13 turnovers, 30 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. Seattle’s 26-6 run and 85.7% FT shooting were key.

Key Player Stats: Minnesota Lynx

• Napheesa Collier (F): 25 points, 9-for-17 FG (52.9%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 6-for-7 FT (85.7%), 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 36 minutes, -8 +/-. Collier’s 11 points in the third built a 60-49 lead.
• Kayla McBride (G): 18 points, 6-for-14 FG (42.9%), 3-for-8 3PT (37.5%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -10 +/-. McBride’s 3-pointer (1:07) made it 85-84 late.
• Courtney Williams (G): 15 points, 5-for-12 FG (41.7%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, 30 minutes, -6 +/-. Williams scored 8 in the first half.
• Alanna Smith (F): 12 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 28 minutes, -5 +/-. Smith’s missed layup (late fourth) was costly.
• Bridget Carleton (F): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, -4 +/-. Carleton added perimeter shooting.
• Jessica Shepard (F, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 10 minutes, -3 +/-. Shepard rebounded off the bench.
• Natisha Hiedeman (G, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 8 minutes, -2 +/-. Minimal impact.
• Inactives: Cecilia Zandalasini (personal).

Team Stats: 41.8% FG (27/65), 30.4% 3PT (7/23), 82.4% FT (23/28), 37 rebounds (7 offensive), 18 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 15 turnovers, 26 points in the paint, 10 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. Minnesota’s 15 turnovers led to 14 Storm points.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (SEA 24, MIN 15): Seattle jumped to 14-6 with Ogwumike’s 6 points.
• Second Quarter (SEA 50, MIN 37): The Storm extended to 47-29, but Minnesota’s 10-3 run trailed 50-37 at halftime.
• Third Quarter (SEA 59, MIN 61): Minnesota’s 11-1 run made 60-49, but Seattle’s 26-6 surge took 75-66.
• Fourth Quarter (SEA 94, MIN 84): McBride’s 3 made 85-84, but Wheeler’s 3 and free throws sealed it.

Game 3: Minnesota Lynx 91, Seattle Storm 87 (August 5, 2025)

Game Summary

The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Seattle Storm 91-87 on August 5, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. Courtney Williams scored 20 points (14 in the second half), and Jessica Shepard posted a double-double (13 points, 13 rebounds). Kayla McBride’s 6-for-6 free throws in the final 30 seconds clinched the win. Nneka Ogwumike led Seattle with 23 points, but the Lynx’s clutch execution prevailed.

Key Player Stats: Minnesota Lynx

• Courtney Williams (G): 20 points, 8-for-16 FG (50.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +7 +/-. Williams’ 14 second-half points included key jumpers.
• Jessica Shepard (F): 13 points, 5-for-9 FG (55.6%), 0-for-0 3PT, 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, +6 +/-. Shepard’s double-double featured 7 offensive rebounds.
• Kayla McBride (G): 14 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 3-for-6 3PT (50.0%), 6-for-6 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 30 minutes, +5 +/-. McBride’s perfect free throws sealed the victory.
• DiJonai Carrington (G, Reserve): 13 points, 5-for-8 FG (62.5%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 10 minutes, +4 +/-. Carrington debuted strongly post-trade.
• Bridget Carleton (F): 12 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 4-for-6 3PT (66.7%), 0-for-0 FT, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +3 +/-. Carleton’s four 3s sparked the second half.
• Alanna Smith (F): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 12 minutes, +2 +/-. Smith added frontcourt presence.
• Natisha Hiedeman (G, Reserve): 6 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 8 minutes, +1 +/-. Hiedeman provided spark.
• Inactives: Napheesa Collier (ankle).

Team Stats: 45.7% FG (32/70), 40.9% 3PT (9/22), 85.7% FT (18/21), 34 rebounds (10 offensive), 20 assists, 7 steals, 4 blocks, 17 turnovers, 28 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. Minnesota’s 40.9% 3PT and free-throw clutch play won it.

Key Player Stats: Seattle Storm

• Nneka Ogwumike (F): 23 points, 8-for-12 FG (66.7%), 0-for-0 3PT, 7-for-9 FT (77.8%), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 36 minutes, -6 +/-. Ogwumike’s 23 points included a career milestone (140th 20+ point game).
• Erica Wheeler (G): 19 points, 7-for-13 FG (53.8%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 34 minutes, -5 +/-. Wheeler’s scoring kept Seattle close.
• Gabby Williams (G): 9 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, -4 +/-. Williams broke Seattle’s single-season steals record (77).
• Skylar Diggins (G): 12 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, -3 +/-. Diggins facilitated the offense.
• Alysha Clark (F): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, -2 +/-. Clark’s 3s aided early.
• Dominique Malonga (F, Reserve): 6 points, 3-for-5 FG (60.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, -1 +/-. Malonga rebounded.
• Brittney Sykes (G, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -2 +/-. Sykes contributed.
• Inactives: Jewell Loyd (knee).

Team Stats: 49.3% FG (34/69), 33.3% 3PT (8/24), 80.0% FT (11/14), 24 rebounds (6 offensive), 18 assists, 8 steals, 3 blocks, 15 turnovers, 28 points in the paint, 10 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 6 second-chance points. Seattle’s efficient FG (49.3%) wasn’t enough against turnovers.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (MIN 22, SEA 20): Williams’ 6 points kept it close.
• Second Quarter (MIN 45, SEA 43): Seattle tied at 34-34, but Williams’ 6 points closed on a 9-6 run.
• Third Quarter (MIN 67, SEA 60): Minnesota surged with Shepard’s double-double.
• Fourth Quarter (MIN 91, SEA 87): McBride’s free throws (30 seconds) after Ogwumike’s rally secured the win.

Game 4: Seattle Storm 93, Minnesota Lynx 79 (August 28, 2025)

Game Summary

The Seattle Storm staged a 21-point comeback to defeat the Minnesota Lynx 93-79 on August 28, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Skylar Diggins scored 23 points (19 in the second half), and Nneka Ogwumike added 12 points and nine rebounds. Seattle closed the third on a 25-6 run, outscoring Minnesota 34-14 in the frame. Kayla McBride led the Lynx with 20 points, but the Storm’s rally denied Minnesota a No. 1 seed clinch.

Key Player Stats: Seattle Storm

• Skylar Diggins (G): 23 points, 8-for-14 FG (57.1%), 3-for-6 3PT (50.0%), 4-for-4 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +14 +/-. Diggins’ 19 second-half points, including a buzzer-beater 3, capped the 25-6 run.
• Nneka Ogwumike (F): 12 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 32 minutes, +12 +/-. Ogwumike’s rebounding fueled second-chance points.
• Erica Wheeler (G): 15 points, 6-for-11 FG (54.5%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, +10 +/-. Wheeler’s assists sparked the comeback.
• Gabby Williams (G): 12 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +8 +/-. Williams’ steals led to transition points.
• Alysha Clark (F): 10 points, 4-for-7 FG (57.1%), 2-for-3 3PT (66.7%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, +6 +/-. Clark’s 3s in the third extended the run.
• Dominique Malonga (F, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-5 FG (60.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, +5 +/-. Malonga added paint scoring.
• Brittney Sykes (G, Reserve): 6 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 minutes, +4 +/-. Sykes contributed.
• Inactives: None reported.

Team Stats: 44.3% FG (27/61), 48.5% 3PT (16/33), 90.0% FT (9/10), 35 rebounds (10 offensive), 20 assists, 9 steals, 4 blocks, 9 turnovers, 24 points in the paint, 15 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points. Seattle’s 48.5% 3PT and low turnovers (9) drove the rally.

Key Player Stats: Minnesota Lynx

• Kayla McBride (G): 20 points, 7-for-13 FG (53.8%), 5-for-10 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, -10 +/-. McBride’s five 3s led scoring.
• Napheesa Collier (F): 18 points, 7-for-14 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 34 minutes, -12 +/-. Collier scored 10 in the first half.
• Courtney Williams (G): 18 points, 7-for-15 FG (46.7%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 35 minutes, -14 +/-. Williams’ double-double included 6 first-half points.
• Alanna Smith (F): 10 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, -8 +/-. Smith rebounded early.
• Bridget Carleton (F): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 24 minutes, -6 +/-. Carleton added 3s.
• Jessica Shepard (F, Reserve): 5 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 10 minutes, -5 +/-. Shepard contributed.
• Natisha Hiedeman (G, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 8 minutes, -4 +/-. Limited role.
• Inactives: None reported.

Team Stats: 44.1% FG (28/63), 37.5% 3PT (9/24), 75.0% FT (14/19), 37 rebounds (8 offensive), 18 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 14 turnovers, 22 points in the paint, 10 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. Minnesota’s 14 turnovers hurt in the collapse.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (SEA 25, MIN 12): Minnesota led 25-12 with Williams’ 10 points.
• Second Quarter (MIN 46, SEA 33): A 6-0 run made 19-point halftime lead.
• Third Quarter (SEA 67, MIN 63): Seattle’s 25-6 run, capped by Diggins’ 3 (0.6 seconds), took control.
• Fourth Quarter (SEA 93, MIN 79): Diggins’ 10 points extended the lead.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since joining the WNBA in 1999, the Lynx and Storm have met 92 times, with Seattle holding a slight 48-44 edge. Seattle averages 81.2 points per game (PPG) to Minnesota’s 80.5 PPG, with opponents averaging 80.5 and 81.2 PPG, respectively. In the last five games before 2025, Seattle won three, with a 55.0% against-the-spread (ATS) win percentage and 50.0% total points over percentage.

In 2025, the series tied 2-2, showcasing:

Lynx Strengths:

• Clutch Free Throws: 82.5% FT across games, with McBride’s 12-for-12 in wins.
• Rebounding Edge: Averaged 36.3 rebounds vs. Seattle’s 32.5, led by Collier (9.0 RPG in series).
• Home Dominance: 2-0 at Target Center, aligning with 18-2 season record.

Storm Strengths:

• Comeback Ability: Overcame deficits in both wins, including 21 points on August 28.
• 3-Point Shooting: 37.4% 3PT in victories, with Diggins’ 50.0% in Game 4.
• Veteran Scoring: Ogwumike averaged 18.5 PPG, Wheeler 17.0 PPG in series.

The Lynx scored 77.6 PPG against Seattle, while the Storm averaged 77.5 PPG. Minnesota won 68.2% of home games vs. Seattle historically, and Seattle won 67.4% of home games vs. Minnesota. The series highlighted playoff implications, with Minnesota clinching No. 1 seed despite the split.

Series Standouts

Minnesota Lynx

• Courtney Williams: Series leader with 20.3 PPG, including 23 (Game 1) and 20 (Game 3), averaging 5.5 assists.
• Napheesa Collier: 19.8 PPG and 9.3 RPG across games, with double-doubles in Games 1 and 2.
• Kayla McBride: Clutch performer with 16.8 PPG, perfect FT in Game 3.

Seattle Storm

• Nneka Ogwumike: 18.5 PPG and 8.8 RPG, double-double in Game 2, milestone in Game 3.
• Skylar Diggins: 16.0 PPG with key second-half surges, 23 in Game 4 comeback.
• Erica Wheeler: 17.0 PPG and 4.5 assists, 20 in Game 2 win.

Team Performance Context

Minnesota Lynx (33-10, 1st Western Conference by end of season)

The Lynx clinched the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, finishing with a franchise-record 33 wins. They went 6-4 in their last 10 but dominated early (9-0 start). Offense averaged 85.2 PPG (2nd league), defense 78.5 PPG allowed (1st). Key: Collier (MVP candidate, 20+ PPG), Williams (All-Star). Home: 18-2.

Seattle Storm (23-21, 8th overall, clinched final playoff spot)

Seattle clinched the eighth seed with a late surge, winning five of last seven to make playoffs. They were 5-5 in last 10 but showed resilience (14 close losses). Offense 82.1 PPG (7th), defense 84.5 PPG allowed (9th). Key: Ogwumike (18.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG), Diggins (15.6 PPG, 6.0 APG). Road: 13-9.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Minnesota Lynx: Napheesa Collier (ankle, missed Game 3 but returned); Kayla McBride (personal, missed early games). No major issues for series.
• Seattle Storm: Jewell Loyd (knee, inactive for series); Katie Lou Samuelson (ACL, out for season). Gabby Williams set steals record.

Conclusion

The Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm split their 2025 WNBA series 2-2, with wins on May 27 (82-77), August 5 (91-87) for Minnesota, and June 11 (94-84), August 28 (93-79) for Seattle. Williams and Collier powered the Lynx, while Ogwumike and Diggins led Seattle’s comebacks. The series underscored Minnesota’s consistency for the No. 1 seed and Seattle’s grit for the eighth playoff spot. For more stats, visit ESPN, WNBA.com, FOX Sports, or CBS Sports.

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