Sparks Edge Lynx in Thrilling WNBA Showdown
Thursday, August 6, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Target Center
Los Angeles Sparks 89, Minnesota Lynx 82, 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 Los Angeles Sparks vs Minnesota Lynx?
Los Angeles Sparks beat Minnesota Lynx 89-82 at Target Center on August 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Sparks vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1650 (about 94% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Minnesota Lynx 89-82 in a tightly contested match at the Target Center on August 6, 2026. This victory marks a significant moment for the Sparks, who have struggled throughout the season, holding a record of 12-18 compared to the Lynx's impressive 25-7. The win also shifts the series record to 2-2, showcasing the competitive nature of these two teams.
The Lynx entered the game with a perfect 10-game winning streak, averaging 98.0 points while allowing 88.8 points over their last ten outings. Their home record stood at 6-0 during this stretch, and they had not lost a game since July 2, 2026. Their recent form included victories against teams like the Indiana Fever and the Toronto Tempo, indicating their offensive prowess and defensive solidity. In contrast, the Sparks had been struggling, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games, averaging 93.6 points scored but allowing 95.7 points. Their away record was particularly concerning at 1-5.
The matchup was further complicated by injury concerns for both teams. The Lynx were missing Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, while the Sparks were without Aaliyah Nye. The absence of key players could have impacted the dynamics of the game, but both teams adapted as the match unfolded.
From the opening tip, the game was competitive, with both teams exchanging leads. The Lynx had previously dominated their meetings with the Sparks, winning all six prior encounters leading up to this game, including a recent victory on July 15, 2026, where they won 96-87. However, the Sparks managed to turn the tables this time, showcasing resilience and determination.
As the game progressed, the Lynx found themselves in a tight spot, trailing late in the fourth quarter. Key scoring plays from both teams kept the game exciting. Courtney Williams made a crucial 11-foot pullup jump shot to tie the game at 79-79, but the Sparks responded with a 24-foot running jump shot from Rae Burrell. The back-and-forth action continued, with Cameron Brink putting the Sparks ahead 81-79 with a 17-foot jumper.
The Lynx fought back, with Kayla McBride hitting a 24-foot three-point jumper to regain the lead at 82-81. However, Nneka Ogwumike's running layup put the Sparks back in front, and Erica Wheeler's contributions, including a driving layup, sealed the victory for Los Angeles.
The market had favored the Lynx heavily, with DraftKings setting the spread at -16.5 in favor of Minnesota and a total of 188.5 points. The home money line was listed at -1650.0, while the away money line for the Sparks was at 950.0. This reflected the expectations surrounding the Lynx's dominant season and their home advantage.
As the game concluded, the Lynx's home win probability was recorded at 0.0, indicating the unexpected nature of the Sparks' victory. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this result impacts both teams moving forward, especially the Lynx, who will need to regroup after this surprising defeat.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -16.5 | 188.5 o -105 / u -115 | Los Angeles Sparks +950 · Minnesota Lynx -1650 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsOlivia Miles23Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsNapheesa Collier6Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsOlivia Miles8Minnesota Lynx
- PointsRae Burrell17Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsErica Wheeler9Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsDearica Hamby9Los Angeles Sparks
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1098 scored · 88.8 allowed per game6-0 at home
- W108-100vs Indiana FeverAug 2
- W104-72at Toronto TempoJul 31
- W100-93vs Toronto TempoJul 29
- W86-76at Seattle StormJul 22
- W105-102at Seattle StormJul 21
- W101-93vs Portland FireJul 19
- W96-87vs Los Angeles SparksJul 15
- W104-100vs Phoenix MercuryJul 14
- W90-85vs New York LibertyJul 11
- W86-80at Connecticut SunJul 8
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 3-7Streak L193.6 scored · 95.7 allowed per game1-5 away
- L88-95at Chicago SkyAug 6
- W106-101at Portland FireAug 2
- L109-113vs New York LibertyJul 29
- L82-86vs Phoenix MercuryJul 22
- L82-90at Dallas WingsJul 19
- L82-96at Chicago SkyJul 17
- L87-96at Minnesota LynxJul 15
- L92-101at Atlanta DreamJul 13
- W102-87vs Chicago SkyJul 11
- W106-92vs Indiana FeverJul 9
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Los Angeles Sparks | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 34-68 | 31-73 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 9-24 | 9-29 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 31 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 11-13 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 85 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 21 |
| Assists | 27 | 17 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 28 |
| Fouls | 13 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 16 | 80 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Quarter40-48Olivia Miles makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter43-48Nneka Ogwumike makes 23-foot three point jumper (Rae Burrell assists)
- 3rd Quarter43-51Olivia Miles makes 23-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter46-51Rae Burrell makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-54Kayla McBride makes 24-foot three point jumper (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-54Ariel Atkins makes 24-foot three point jumper (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-54Erica Wheeler makes running layup (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-56Napheesa Collier makes 15-foot jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-58Olivia Miles makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter51-59Natasha Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter51-60Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-60Nneka Ogwumike makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Dearica Hamby assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-60Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-60Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-63Kayla McBride makes 23-foot three point jumper (Maya Caldwell assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-63Nneka Ogwumike makes 5-foot two point shot (Chance Gray assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-65Kayla McBride makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-67Napheesa Collier makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter60-67Monique Akoa Makani makes driving layup (Chance Gray assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-67Monique Akoa Makani makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter61-69Napheesa Collier makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter64-69Cameron Brink makes 25-foot three point jumper (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-69Monique Akoa Makani makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-71Olivia Miles makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter66-73Courtney Williams makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter68-73Dearica Hamby makes 2-foot layup (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter69-73Dearica Hamby makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter69-75Napheesa Collier makes 5-foot fade away jump shot (Dorka Juhasz assists)
- 4th Quarter71-75Dearica Hamby makes 5-foot two point shot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter73-75Cameron Brink makes 2-foot hook shot
- 4th Quarter73-77Olivia Miles makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter76-77Erica Wheeler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cameron Brink assists)
- 4th Quarter76-79Courtney Williams makes 11-foot pullup jump shot (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 4th Quarter79-79Rae Burrell makes 24-foot running jump shot (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 4th Quarter81-79Cameron Brink makes 17-foot jumper (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter81-82Kayla McBride makes 24-foot three point jumper (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 4th Quarter83-82Nneka Ogwumike makes running layup (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 4th Quarter85-82Erica Wheeler makes 10-foot pullup jump shot (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 4th Quarter87-82Monique Akoa Makani makes 12-foot step back jumpshot (Cameron Brink assists)
- 4th Quarter89-82Erica Wheeler makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Los Angeles Sparks.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance12824
- OfficialsRandy Richardson, Teresa Stuck, Genesis Perrymond
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Lynx Defeat Sparks 96-87 in WNBA ShowdownJul 15, 2026
- Lynx Defeat Sparks 99-83 in WNBA ShowdownJun 17, 2026