Lynx dominate the Sparks, 80-64

Crystal Dangerfield and Sylvia Fowles led Minnesota past Los Angeles, 80-64, to secure a commanding win at Target Arena.

Saturday night served as a homecoming for Seimone Augustus, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Augustus played 14 seasons with the Lynx and now serves as the Sparks’ assistant coach. Prior to Saturday night’s matchup, Minnesota announced the franchise’s decision to retire Augustus’ jersey number for the 2022 season.

Money Mone back in Minnesota!

The @minnesotalynx announce they will be retiring @seimoneaugustus' #33 jersey next season 🧡 #CountIt pic.twitter.com/4bimUjiQas

— WNBA (@WNBA) June 13, 2021

Augustus’ return was, however, upset by a dominant Lynx performance. Crystal Dangerfield led scoring for Minnesota with 16 points, shooting 80 percent from the three-point line. Two of her four threes came in the first quarter, helping the Lynx to an early 10-0 run.

Sylvia Fowles contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and a career-high five steals. Her Saturday-night effort marks the 40^th time in WNBA history that a player recorded more than four blocks and four steals in the same game.

The reigning ROY and the vet 🤝@crystald2_: 16 PTS, 4-5 3PM, 4 REB, 3 AST@SylviaFowles: 15 PTS, 5-6 FGM, 9 REB, 5 STL, 4 BLK#CountIt pic.twitter.com/omqG4KL3n3

— WNBA (@WNBA) June 13, 2021

A 12-0 Sparks run in the third quarter cut down Minnesota’s lead, tying the game at 57-57. Rachel Banham, however, halted Los Angeles’ momentum going into the fourth quarter, sinking multiple threes. Banham was a perfect 4-4 from the arc.

BACK-TO-BACK TREYS FOR @rachelbanham_1.

She's 4-for-4 from beyond the arc 😳

💻 https://t.co/fnncD5G4m5 pic.twitter.com/l7yXvFHTzm

— WNBA (@WNBA) June 13, 2021

The Sparks will look to snap their two-game losing streak when they face off against the Mercury on Wednesday. The Lynx will strive for their third consecutive win when they host the Sky on Tuesday.