Lynx Defeat Dream 96-81 at Target Center
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Target Center
Minnesota Lynx 96, Atlanta Dream 81, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Atlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx beat Atlanta Dream 96-81 at Target Center on May 27, 2026.
Who was favored in Atlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx?
Atlanta Dream were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive matchup at the Target Center, the Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Atlanta Dream with a final score of 96-81. This victory not only showcased the Lynx's strong home performance but also marked a crucial moment in their season as they improved their home record to 6-2. The Lynx's recent form has been impressive, with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, and they have now won their last two outings. Averaging 85.1 points per game while allowing 79.1, the Lynx have demonstrated a solid offensive and defensive balance.
The Atlanta Dream, on the other hand, came into this game with a record of 4-2 on the road and a recent streak of two consecutive wins. Their overall record in the last ten games stands at 6-4, with an average of 80.4 points scored and 78.9 points allowed per game. Despite their recent successes, they were unable to maintain their momentum against a determined Lynx squad.
Historically, this matchup has leaned in favor of the Atlanta Dream, who lead the series 2-1 after winning the previous three encounters. The last meeting between these two teams occurred on May 10, 2026, where the Dream narrowly edged out the Lynx with a score of 91-90. However, the Lynx's victory in this latest game suggests a shift in the competitive dynamic between the two teams.
In terms of injuries, the Lynx faced challenges with three players sidelined: Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, all of whom were out for various reasons not related to injury. The Dream were also impacted by the absence of Brionna Jones, who was out due to a leg injury. These injuries undoubtedly influenced the strategies employed by both teams.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Atlanta Dream favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 165.5. The odds reflected a competitive expectation for the game, but the Lynx’s performance exceeded these expectations as they secured a comfortable victory.
Conditions at the Target Center were conducive to a high-scoring affair, and the Lynx capitalized on their home advantage. Fans witnessed a thrilling display of basketball, with key plays that defined the game. Notable scoring plays included Kayla McBride's layup assisted by Olivia Miles, and a series of successful free throws and jump shots that helped the Lynx build and maintain their lead in the final quarter.
As the game progressed, the Lynx showcased their depth and resilience, particularly in the fourth quarter where they consistently extended their lead. The Dream struggled to keep pace, ultimately falling short despite their efforts.
Overall, this game highlighted the Lynx's ability to perform under pressure and their determination to reclaim dominance in their matchup against the Dream. With this victory, the Lynx not only improved their standing in the league but also sent a message to their competitors about their capabilities moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ATL -3.5 | 165.5 o -115 / u -105 | Atlanta Dream -148 · Minnesota Lynx +124 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Brionna JonesOutLegAtlanta Dream
Leaders
- PointsCourtney Williams25Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsOlivia Miles8Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNatasha Howard8Minnesota Lynx
- PointsAllisha Gray21Atlanta Dream
- AssistsAngel Reese5Atlanta Dream
- ReboundsNaz Hillmon8Atlanta Dream
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 7-3Streak W285.1 scored · 79.1 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W85-75at Chicago SkyMay 23
- W100-72vs Toronto TempoMay 22
- L79-86vs Chicago SkyMay 17
- W90-86at Dallas WingsMay 15
- W88-84at Phoenix MercuryMay 13
- L90-91vs Atlanta DreamMay 10
- W73-66vs Toronto TempoMay 2
- W88-79vs NIGERIAApr 28
- W77-66at Washington MysticsApr 25
- L81-86at Phoenix MercurySep 29
Atlanta Dream
Last 10: 6-4Streak W280.4 scored · 78.9 allowed per game3-1 away
- W82-80vs Phoenix MercuryMay 24
- W86-69vs Dallas WingsMay 22
- L84-85vs Las Vegas AcesMay 17
- W77-72at Dallas WingsMay 13
- W91-90at Minnesota LynxMay 10
- L72-83vs Washington MysticsMay 3
- W87-78at Chicago SkyApr 29
- L85-87vs Indiana FeverSep 18
- L60-77at Indiana FeverSep 16
- W80-68vs Indiana FeverSep 14
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Atlanta Dream | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-65 | 40-67 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 60 |
| Three-pointers | 11-31 | 7-19 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 37 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 9-10 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 90 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 24 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 19 |
| Assists | 23 | 26 |
| Steals | 5 | 10 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 33 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 52 |
| Fouls | 10 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter42-59Natasha Howard makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter44-59Isobel Borlase makes driving layup (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter44-62Nia Coffey makes 22-foot three point jumper (Maya Caldwell assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-62Te-Hina Paopao makes 26-foot three point jumper (Allisha Gray assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-64Courtney Williams makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Natasha Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-64Allisha Gray makes 24-foot three point jumper (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-66Courtney Williams makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Natasha Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-66Angel Reese makes 1-foot layup (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-68Natasha Howard makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter54-68Allisha Gray makes 6-foot two point shot (Te-Hina Paopao assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-70Olivia Miles makes driving layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-70Jordin Canada makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-70Jordin Canada makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter56-73Kayla McBride makes 23-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter56-74Kayla McBride makes free throw flagrant 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter58-74Naz Hillmon makes 2-foot layup (Allisha Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter60-74Allisha Gray makes running layup
- 4th Quarter60-76Olivia Miles makes 4-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter60-77Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter63-77Rhyne Howard makes 24-foot three pointer (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter63-79Courtney Williams makes driving layup (Nia Coffey assists)
- 4th Quarter65-79Naz Hillmon makes 3-foot two point shot (Rhyne Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter65-81Natasha Howard makes driving layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter66-81Allisha Gray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-81Allisha Gray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-81Rhyne Howard makes 8-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter71-81Angel Reese makes layup (Jordin Canada assists)
- 4th Quarter71-83Natasha Howard makes 3-foot layup (Kayla McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter73-83Jordin Canada makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter73-85Courtney Williams makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter75-85Rhyne Howard makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter75-88Courtney Williams makes 22-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter75-90Kayla McBride makes 4-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter75-92Courtney Williams makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter76-92Madina Okot makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-94Maya Caldwell makes 19-foot jumper (Anastasiia Olairi Kosu assists)
- 4th Quarter77-94Madina Okot makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-96Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes 2-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter79-96Madina Okot makes 3-foot layup (Isobel Borlase assists)
- 4th Quarter81-96Isobel Borlase makes driving layup (Indya Nivar assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Atlanta Dream.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance9912
- OfficialsGina Cross, Charles Watson, Jason Alabanza
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Dream Defeat Lynx in Thrilling WNBA ClashAug 30, 2026
- Atlanta Dream Edges Minnesota Lynx in Close ContestMay 9, 2026