Sparks end Lynx 10-game winning streak with 89-82 win

The Minnesota Lynx’s 10-game winning streak came to a stunning end on Thursday night as the Los Angeles Sparks rallied for an 89-82 victory at Target Center in Minneapolis. The league-leading Lynx, who had a chance to become the first team to clinch a playoff spot, were held scoreless over the final four minutes and 53 seconds in a dramatic fourth-quarter collapse.

Minnesota appeared in control for much of the game, leading by as many as 11 points in the first quarter and taking a 48-40 advantage into halftime. The Lynx still held a 71-66 lead entering the final period, but the Sparks dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Minnesota 23-11. After Kayla McBride hit a three-pointer to give the Lynx an 82-81 lead with 4:53 remaining, the home team failed to score again. Los Angeles closed the game on an 8-0 run, with key baskets from Nneka Ogwumike, Erica Wheeler, and Monique Akoa Makani sealing the upset.

The Sparks, who entered the game with an 11-18 record, won with a balanced offensive effort. Rae Burrell led Los Angeles with 17 points, while Dearica Hamby added 16 points and nine rebounds. Ogwumike contributed 16 points and seven rebounds, and Wheeler finished with 12 points...