### Lynx Triumph Over Sparks Despite Collier's Absence The Minnesota Lynx showcased their resilience by defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 82-66 on June 22, 2025, even without their star player Napheesa Collier. Collier, the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, was sidelined due to a back injury sustained in a previous game against the Las Vegas Aces. Despite her absence, the Lynx maintained their strong performance, improving their record to 12-1 for the season. Kayla McBride led the charge with a remarkable fourth-quarter performance, scoring 15 of her 29 points during that period, while Courtney Williams contributed 18 points to the victory [https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/mcbride-scores-15-of-her-29-in-fourth-quarter-as-lynx-beat-sparks-82-66-without-collier][https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/without_napheesa_collier_lynx_still_rally_to_top_sparks/s1_17054_42359048]. ### Breakdown of the Lynx's Victory 1. **Game Overview** - The Lynx rallied from a halftime deficit, trailing 35-34, to secure a decisive win against the Sparks. - Key players included Kayla McBride, who scored 29 points, and Courtney Williams, who added 18 points [https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/without_napheesa_collier_lynx_still_rally_to_top_sparks/s1_17054_42359048]. 2. **Impact of Collier's Absence** - Napheesa Collier, averaging 24.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, was unable to play due to a back injury [https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/without_napheesa_collier_lynx_still_rally_to_top_sparks/s1_17054_42359048]. - Her absence was felt, but the Lynx adapted well, showcasing depth in their roster. 3. **Shooting Performance** - The Lynx shot an impressive 53.6% from the field and 44% from three-point range, compared to the Sparks' 36.9% overall and 22.6% from beyond the arc [https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/without_napheesa_collier_lynx_still_rally_to_top_sparks/s1_17054_42359048]. 4. **Upcoming Challenges** - The Lynx are set to host the Commissioner's Cup championship game against the Indiana Fever on July 1, 2025, aiming for their second consecutive title [https://www.inforum.com/sports/pro/lynx-rally-without-collier-to-beat-las-vegas-76-62]. ### Summary of Key Findings - **Victory Without Star Player**: The Lynx's ability to win without Napheesa Collier highlights their team depth and resilience. - **Strong Individual Performances**: Kayla McBride's fourth-quarter scoring surge was pivotal in securing the win. - **Shooting Efficiency**: The Lynx's superior shooting percentages were crucial in overcoming a halftime deficit. - **Future Outlook**: With the Commissioner's Cup final approaching, the Lynx will need to continue leveraging their roster depth to compensate for Collier's absence. In conclusion, the Minnesota Lynx demonstrated their strength as a team by overcoming the challenge of playing without their leading scorer, setting the stage for a promising championship run [https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/mcbride-scores-15-of-her-29-in-fourth-quarter-as-lynx-beat-sparks-82-66-without-collier][https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/without_napheesa_collier_lynx_still_rally_to_top_sparks/s1_17054_42359048].