Lynx flex their top-seed muscle without Miles, push Clark and the Fever to 6th for the WNBA playoffs

In a resounding display of elite performance, the Minnesota Lynx, the top-seeded team in the WNBA, dominated the Indiana Fever 86-66 on Thursday night, securing their place in the playoffs. The Lynx, however, played without their star point guard Olivia Miles, who had been sidelined by a left calf injury for the second consecutive game.

Natasha Howard delivered a stellar performance for the Lynx, scoring 21 points, while Courtney Williams contributed with nine points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists. The Lynx's strong start was evident as they overcame a 25-4 deficit in the first quarter, eventually pulling away to open up a 43-point halftime lead.

Notably, Caitlin Clark, a consistent performer for the Fever, struggled in her season-low production, registering just two points on 1-for-12 shooting. The Fever's inability to capitalize on their momentum, coupled with injuries to key players like backup guard Ty Harris, who left the game with a left ankle injury, ultimately led to their 6th place standing heading into the playoffs.

Heading into the first round of the playoffs, the Lynx will face off against the New York Liberty in a best-of-three series that begins on Sunday. The Lynx, who have already secured the top seed for the second consecutive year, will take on the Liberty, who previously defeated the Lynx in the 2024 WNBA Finals. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever, who lost the season series to the Washington Mystics, will now face the Las Vegas Aces in the upcoming first round.