Lynx Overwhelm Fire 107-74 with Strong Team Performance and Stellar Play from Nia Coffey

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In an impressive display of teamwork, the Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Portland Fire with a decisive 107-74 score on Monday, showcasing a balanced attack that featured seven players scoring in double figures. Natasha Howard led the charge with 18 points, while Nia Coffey made a significant impact with 15 points, five rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in what marked her standout performance of the season.

The Lynx, now holding an 11-3 record, capitalized on Portland's mistakes, scoring 26 points off 22 turnovers. Coffey was particularly effective, hitting all three of her attempts from beyond the arc during a dominant first quarter in which Minnesota matched their season high with 35 points. By the third quarter, the Lynx had established a commanding 27-point lead.

This victory improved Minnesota's round-robin record in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup to 5-1. Meanwhile, Las Vegas only needs to secure a win against either Dallas or Phoenix to clinch the Western Conference spot in the championship game, which is scheduled for June 30. New York has already secured the Eastern Conference berth as of June 14.

The matchup also marked the first visit to Minnesota for the newly reestablished Fire, which made its debut alongside the Toronto Tempo this season. It was a homecoming for forward Bridget Carleton, who was the first overall pick in the expansion draft and previously played for the Lynx for seven seasons. During a pause in the game, she received recognition alongside Fire assistant coach Sylvia Fowles, a two-time champion and the 2017 WNBA MVP.

However, Carleton's return was challenging, as she struggled with her shooting, making only one of nine attempts and finishing with just three points in 26 minutes, posting a minus-31 rating.

Looking ahead, Portland is set to host Seattle, while Minnesota will face Los Angeles on Wednesday, marking the final night of the scheduled Commissioner's Cup games.