Minnesota Outlasts Atlanta in OT Thriller Marked by Chaos and Comebacks

In a game that featured power outages, emotional swings, and playoff-level intensity, the Minnesota Lynx outlasted the Atlanta Dream in a 96–92 overtime victory Friday night. What started as a dominant first quarter from the Lynx quickly transformed into a back-and-forth battle, with the Dream sticking with the #1 ranked Lynx, ultimately falling short in crunch time.

Allisha Gray looks to attack over Brittney Griner screen. Photo by Cassie Chantel

First Quarter Firepower: Lynx Strike First

The opening possessions were textbook basketball. Atlanta struck first with an interior lob to Bri Jones, while Minnesota answered with a smooth midrange jumper from Courtney Williams. Anyone who follows these teams would know these are two “bread and butter” looks from each squad. The Atlanta defense wasted no time making its mark, trapping Kayla McBride on the high wing to force an early turnover. But Napheesa Collier, in her first game back from injury, wasted no time either—draining a three on her first shot and following it up with a steal that led to a fast-break layup by Williams.

By the midway point of the first quarter, Minnesota had raced to a 12–3 lead, thanks in part to efficient execution and stingy defense. Bridget Carleton added a corner three off another Atlanta miscue, while Collier continued to dazzle with elite footwork and a step-through finish. The Dream were clearly focused on establishing the paint, especially after losing that battle against Dallas in their previous game.

Momentum Shift: Power Outages and a Dream Surge

The first sign of a shift came late in the second quarter when a power outage paused the game for nearly 10 minutes. But the break in play didn’t quiet the crowd. Energy in the arena surged with chants of "Let's Go Dream," followed by three rounds of the wave as a wicked storm raged outside. When play resumed, Atlanta came back revitalized, ramping up their aggression, attacking the paint, forcing turnovers, and pushing in transition. Another outage during halftime delayed the game an additional five minutes. A flash flood warning was issued across Atlanta, mirroring the surge of intensity the Dream brought to open the third quarter.

By the 7:59 mark in the third, Atlanta took their first lead of the game, prompting a frustrated timeout from Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve. That frustration boiled over in the fourth quarter, when a defensive breakdown led to an uncontested layup. Coach Reeve, never one to mince words, was seen on the sideline yelling “Why?!” at Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith.

Clutch Execution: Lynx Seal It Late

Despite the swings, Minnesota’s poise showed in the extra frame. Overtime belonged to their closers: Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier, two of the league’s most reliable free throw shooters. The pair iced the game at the line, while Atlanta’s offense unraveled into isolation plays and poor shot selection.

Jordin Canada looks inside to Brittney Griner who is attempting to gain position on Jessica Shepard. Photo by Cassie Chantel

Coach Karl Smesko, Allisha Gray, and Jordin Canada all acknowledged after the game that execution and details were the difference. “We’ve grown a lot, but now it’s about finishing games,” said Canada, who had one of her most electric showings of the season, “We’re right there, it’s just the little things.”

Smesko echoed the sentiment: “We’re not trying to protect a lead—we have to keep playing at our pace. The second you slow down, you're giving the defense the edge.”

Napheesa Collier and Naz Hillmon battle for a rebound after a free throw. Photo by Cassie Chantel

Final Stats and Standouts

• Minnesota Lynx:

  • Napheesa Collier: 26 points (perfect 3/3 start, including two 3s)

  • Kayla McBride: 18 points, clutch free throws in OT

  • Courtney Williams: Key early scoring, 0 turnovers

  • Bridget Carleton: 14 points, season high, 100% FG & 3P%

  • Karlie Samuelson: 6 points, 50% 3P%, her best night out as a Lynx

    
    

• Atlanta Dream:

  • Brionna Jones: 18 points, dominated early in the paint

  • Allisha Gray: 17 points, picked up 3 early fouls, impacted rhythm

  • Naz Hillmon's defense made it difficult for Collier in the post

    
    

Despite shooting just 4-for-22 from beyond the arc, Atlanta stayed in the game through rebounding and interior play. But Minnesota’s defensive core and late-game composure prevailed, keeping them among the league’s elite.

Takeaway: The Lynx showed they’re built for chaos, whether it’s power outages or surging opponents. For the Dream, the talent is there. Now, it’s about maturity in moments that matter.

Next Up: Atlanta faces another top-tier opponent in the New York Liberty on Sunday. Minnesota, meanwhile, continues to solidify its place in the upper tier of the standings, battle-tested and still building.