Minnesota Lynx secure WNBA playoff spot with victory over Las Vegas Aces

The Minnesota Lynx have secured a WNBA playoff spot by defeating the Las Vegas Aces 98-87 in Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon to improve to a league-best 26-7 record.

Rookie Olivia Miles led the charge for the hosts with a brilliant 26-point performance.

She was closely supported by Napheesa Collier, who contributed 22 points in a crucial victory for the Western Conference pacesetters.

Natasha Howard also proved instrumental, tallying 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Miles and Collier shine in pivotal third quarter

The home side held a slender four-point advantage at the half before reserve Dorka Juhasz sparked a critical surge.

Juhasz combined effectively with Courtney Williams, with the pair trading assists on back-to-back three-pointers to push the lead to double digits.

Las Vegas responded instantly with a 7-0 run, spearheaded by a three-point play from Jackie Young, who finished with a team-high 23 points.

However, Collier quickly restored the cushion by sinking consecutive triples off feeds from the impressive Miles.

Late drama ensures post-season qualification

The visiting side struggled to contain the Minnesota offence in the final period.

A decisive sequence arrived when Jewell Loyd was penalised for a flagrant foul following a reckless closeout on Kayla McBride.

McBride converted all three resulting free throws, and Collier added two more from the same possession to establish a commanding 85-72 lead.

Miles then took over the closing stages, scoring 10 of her points in the fourth quarter to comfortably see out the contest.

A’ja Wilson was limited to 16 points and eight rebounds for the Aces, who could not keep pace with the league leaders.