Lynx Dominate Fire in Commissioner's Cup, Bolstering Western Conference Lead

On Monday at Minneapolis’s Target Center, the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Portland Fire 107-74. Natasha Howard scored 18 points; Nia Coffey added 15 points, five rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Minnesota forced 22 turnovers that generated 26 points and built a 27-point lead in third quarter.

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The Commissioner's Cup, launched in 2021, pits best-recorded teams from each conference in a tournament with a $500,000 prize pool and donations. The Lynx entered with a 5-1 Cup record, trailing the Las Vegas Aces (5-0) for the Western Conference lead. The Eastern Conference is led by the New York Liberty (4-0).

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Howard’s 18 points anchored the Lynx’s interior, while Coffey’s 15-point line added rebounds, steals and blocks. Lynx draftee Bridget Carleton, now with Portland, was honored but managed only three points. The Lynx’s perimeter remains potent through Kayla McBride and rookie guard Olivia Miles, averaging over 20 points per game this season.

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The Lynx shot 54% from the field and 50% from three, converting 22 of 44 free throws. They outrebounded Portland 22-13, grabbed 16 offensive boards and recorded five blocks. Minnesota forced 22 turnovers while limiting Fire to 41% shooting and 50% from three. Fire committed 24 fouls and made 11 free throws versus Minnesota’s 22.

Lynx Put Out Fire in Decisive WNBA Victory

Aces coach Becky Hammon praised the Western Conference’s competitiveness, noting teams will review defensive adjustments after the Lynx’s recent loss. Guard Chelsea Gray described the Cup as a “midseason measuring stick” that adds charitable purpose. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve emphasized the need for greater bench output, acknowledging her starters are shouldering heavy minutes.

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Analysts point out the Lynx’s bench contributed only seven points against Portland, below the Aces’ 18-point bench output. Injuries to forward Napheesa Collier (left ankle surgery), guard Dorka Juhász (right foot sprain) and forward Emma Cechová (torn ACL) leave Minnesota without frontcourt depth. Portland’s rebounding woes and high foul count illustrate the broader challenge of balancing aggressive defense with disciplined play.

Final Injury Report for Lynx-Aces: Will Napheesa Collier, Chennedy Carter Play?

The Lynx travel to Los Angeles for the final Cup game on Wednesday, while Portland hosts Seattle Thursday. The Aces face Dallas Monday and Phoenix Wednesday, aiming to preserve their Cup record. The Western Conference final is set for June 30, with the Lynx still in contention if they maintain their winning pace.

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"It's kind of like a midseason measuring stick." — Chelsea Gray, Guard, Las Vegas Aces

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"It's always good to play for charity and a bigger purpose, and you know everybody likes money, right?" — Chelsea Gray, Guard, Las Vegas Aces

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"These are two really good teams just going blow for blow." — Becky Hammon, Head Coach, Las Vegas Aces

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"We've got to get more off of our bench." — Cheryl Reeve, Head Coach, Minnesota Lynx

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