WNBA Preview: Minnesota Lynx (8-3) vs Las Vegas Aces (5-4)

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Two of the WNBA’s best teams will meet on Tuesday night when the Minnesota Lynx travel to take on the Las Vegas Aces.

Winners of four of their last five games, the Lynx (8-3) have already ascended to the top of the Western Conference standings. The defending champion Aces (5-4) are not far behind as they currently sit in third place in the Western Conference, just two games back of their opponent on Tuesday.

And while Napheesa Collier leads the team in scoring (21.4 ppg), it is Kayla McBride that has served as a catalyst for the Lynx’s offense in back-to-back contests. Her 15 three-pointers in the team’s two most recent games tied Diana Taurasi (2020) for the most in any two-game stretch in WNBA history.

McBride has scored 57 points over the last two games — 25 in an 81-80 loss to the host Phoenix Mercury on Friday and a season-best 32 in an 83-64 victory over the visiting Seattle Storm on Sunday.

On the other hand, the Aces have entered a mini-slump after losing three of their last four games. They scored the first 14 points of Sunday’s game against the host Los Angeles Sparks before losing 96-92.

Wilson scored 31 points against Los Angeles. She scored at least 20 for the 14th straight game, breaking the record she shared with Taurasi (2006-07). In an 80-66 win at the Lynx on May 29, Wilson poured in a game-high 29 points and added 15 rebounds.

Tuesday’s matchup will also play a vital role in the annual WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. The Lynx’s 3-1 record is good enough for a tie with the Phoenix Mercury in the cup’s current standings. At 1-2 in the standings, the Aces are looking to claw their way into contention for the in-season trophy, despite remaining legitimate contenders in their quest for a third consecutive WNBA championship.

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WNBA Editor
Profile: A dedicated WNBA analyst with a deep understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and expanding cultural impact. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage that blends advanced metrics, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern professional women’s basketball. Background: With extensive experience covering the WNBA and women’s basketball at multiple levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking team progression throughout the season. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and free‑agency movement Team‑building strategy, salary‑cap dynamics, and front‑office trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time WNBA fans and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the WNBA’s growth, competitiveness, and influence on the broader basketball landscape.