Williams, Collier lead the way as the Lynx topple the Storm 82-77 in early West showdown

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Courtney Williams poured in 23 points and Napheesa Collier added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds as the Minnesota Lynx edged out the Seattle Storm 82-77 on Tuesday night in a showdown between early Western Conference contenders.

With the win, the Lynx extended their unbeaten start to the season to 5-0 and welcomed back veteran guard Kayla McBride, who made her season debut after missing the first four games due to personal reasons.

Minnesota came out firing, hitting six of their first seven shots to jump out to a quick 14-2 lead just two and a half minutes into the game. McBride made an immediate impact, sinking back-to-back threes in that opening burst. The Lynx led 26-11 after the first quarter and took a 39-29 advantage into halftime.

Seattle clawed back in the second half. Gabby Williams and Skylar Diggins helped narrow the gap in the third quarter, and Dominique Malonga’s basket to start the fourth pulled the Storm within one at 54-53. But Minnesota held firm. Back-to-back three-pointers from Williams and Alanna Smith pushed the lead to 70-64 with just under four minutes remaining.

Williams knocked down a pair of pull-up jumpers to stretch the lead to 76-69 with two minutes left, but Seattle wasn’t done yet. The Storm scored four straight points to make it 76-73 with 27 seconds on the clock. McBride then calmly hit four free throws to put the game out of reach, and despite a late three from Erica Wheeler, Collier’s two free throws sealed the win. Seattle’s final possession ended in a turnover.

Alanna Smith finished with 16 points and McBride added 15 in her return. Collier also contributed five steals and five rebounds.

Seattle (3-2) was led by Gabby Williams with 20 points, followed by Diggins with 18, Nneka Ogwumike with 11, and Wheeler with 10.

Up next:
Minnesota travels to Phoenix on Friday.
Seattle will host Atlanta, also on Friday.