Courtney Williams Leads Lynx to Commissioner’s Cup Final with Second-Half Surge

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Courtney Williams poured in 18 of her 20 points after halftime to propel the Minnesota Lynx to a 76-62 comeback victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday night, clinching a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup final. The win came despite losing star forward Napheesa Collier to a back injury early in the third quarter.

The defending Commissioner’s Cup champions, Minnesota will now host the Indiana Fever on July 1 in the title game — a contest that doesn’t count toward regular-season standings but offers players a financial bonus.

The Aces, still missing MVP A’ja Wilson for a third consecutive game, built a 14-point lead and held a 39-30 advantage at halftime — Minnesota’s lowest scoring half of the season. Collier, last year’s MVP runner-up, scored her seventh point early in the third but exited at the 7:57 mark and did not return.

Stepping up in her absence, Alanna Smith posted a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Bench players Diamond Miller and Natisha Hiedeman each added 12 points to bolster the Lynx’s offense. Williams also contributed across the board with five assists, four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.

Smith gave Minnesota its first lead with a layup at 4:14 in the third quarter, making it 45-43. She later added another layup to help the Lynx take a 56-52 lead into the final frame.

Las Vegas struggled with ball control, committing 21 turnovers that led to 27 Lynx points. The Aces hit just 6 of 18 shots during a key stretch, allowing Minnesota to turn a four-point edge into a 16-point cushion.

Jewell Loyd led the Aces with 12 points, while Tiffany Mitchell chipped in 10. The loss drops Las Vegas to 5-6 on the season, while the Lynx improve to an impressive 11-1.